The concept of symmetry is a fundamental principle in modern theoretical physics. However, in quantum field theory, it can happen that a symmetry present at the classical level is broken by quantum effects, leading to what is known as an anomaly. The lecture aims to carefully explore the theory of anomalies in quantum field theory and introduce their applications in particle physics, particularly in solid-state physics. Examples of applications include the decay of neutral pions, the anomaly freedom of the Standard Model, the electronics of Weyl and Dirac semimetals, the quantum Hall effect, and the theory of topological insulators.
Knowledge of quantum theory, special relativity, and solid-state physics should be present. Familiarity with quantum field theoretical methods is useful but not necessarily required.
