Quantum Field Theory Basics

This lecture introduces quantum field theory as the application of quantum mechanics to systems of fields, contrasting it with point particle mechanics. The instructor explains the transition from classical to quantum field theory, emphasizing the infinite variables in field theory due to continuous space coordinates. The importance of quantum field theory in particle physics, cosmology, and astrophysics is highlighted, particularly in understanding phenomena like dark matter and the early universe. The lecture also touches on the need for fields to mediate interactions due to the limitations imposed by relativity, leading to the quantization of fields and the emergence of particles. The instructor discusses the fundamental role of fields in quantum field theory, showcasing how particles can be understood as excitations of these fields.