Quantum Chromodynamics and Effective Field Theory
Course, Master's level, 1FA360
Expand the information below to show details on how to apply and entry requirements.
Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Uppsala, 33%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 33%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Study period
- 31 August 2026–17 January 2027
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
120 credits in science/engineering with Quantum Field Theory or Advanced Particle Physics. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
- Selection
-
Higher education credits in science and engineering (maximum 240 credits)
- Fees
- If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 27,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 27,500
- Application deadline
- 15 April 2026
- Application code
- UU-13098
Admitted or on the waiting list?
- Registration period
- 27 July 2026–30 August 2026
- Information on registration from the department
Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Uppsala, 33%, On-campus, English For exchange students
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 33%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Study period
- 31 August 2026–17 January 2027
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
120 credits in science/engineering with Quantum Field Theory or Advanced Particle Physics. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
Admitted or on the waiting list?
- Registration period
- 27 July 2026–30 August 2026
- Information on registration from the department
About the course
The course focuses on strong interaction and theoretical description based on quantum chromodynamics (QCD). The deep connection between interactions and symmetries is pointed out. General features and shortcomings of the standard model of particle physics are reviewed. QCD is described as a working theory for strong interaction and at the same time as a prototype for a perfect quantum field theory in the sense that it is well-defined by perturbation theory at high energies and by lattice-QCD at low energies.
The properties of quarks, gluons and their composite objects, the hadrons are reviewed. Features of the strong interaction are discussed, most notably asymptotic freedom, confinement and chiral symmetry breaking. Conceptual and technical aspects of perturbative and effective field theories are studied and a brief introduction to quantum field theory on a lattice is provided. Spontaneous symmetry breaking is discussed including the Higgs mechanism.