This review gives a brief discussion of the structure of the Standard Model and its quantum corrections for testing the electroweak theory at current and future colliders. The predictions for the vector boson masses, neutrino scattering cross sections, and the Z resonance observables such as the width of the Z resonance, partial widths, effective neutral current coupling constants and mixing angles at the Z peak, are presented. Recent experimental data and their implications for the present status of the Standard Model are compared. Finally, the question of how virtual new physics can influence the predictions for the precision observables and the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) as a special example of particular theoretical interest are discussed.

Although the Standard Model of strong and electroweak interactions describesparticle physics phenomena up to the vector boson mass scale very well, it is in general believed that it is not the ultimate theory. The aim of this series of seminars was to initiate discussions between field theorists and phenomenologically oriented high energy physicists on the observable consequenses of the concept of SUSY. The subjects covered by the individual contributions include an introduction to the basic features of SUSY models, in particular the minimal supersymmetric Standard Model, followed by discussions of the theoretical predictions and experimental findings on the particle content and mass spectra, cosmological consequenses, indirect manifestations through quantum effects, radiative corrections in the supersymmetric Higgs sector, and the concept of dynamical electroweak symmetry breaking in the context ofSUSY. These topics are treated at a level appropriate for advanced students.However, the book should also be useful for teachers and researchers.

Based on the lectures given at TU Munich for third-year physics students, this book provides the basic concepts of relativistic quantum field theory, perturbation theory, Feynman graphs, Abelian and non-Abelian gauge theories, with application to QED, QCD, and the electroweak Standard Model. It also introduces quantum field theory and particle physics for beginning graduate students with an orientation towards particle physics and its theoretical foundations. Phenomenology of W and Z bosons, as well as Higgs bosons, is part of the electroweak chapter in addition to recent experimental results, precision tests and current status of the Standard Model.