Entry requirements

120 credits and basic knowledge of quantum mechanics (quantum physics) and Theory of Special Relativity (Lorentz transformations).

Learning outcomes

When the course is completed the student should be able to

• classify elementary particles and their reactions in terms of quantum numbers and draw simple reaction diagrams
• describe the basic ingredients of the Standard Model of particle physics
• explain how experimental results are interpreted in terms of fundamental properties of quarks, leptons and force mediators
• master relativistic kinematics for computations of the outcome of various reactions and decay processes
• master the use of "invariant mass"
• describe the technological requirements of particle physics and discuss technology transfer to society

Content

The course provides an overview of modern particle physics stressing fundamental concepts and processes:

An introduction to the Standard Model and its components. Antiparticles. Symmetries and conservation laws and their significance in particle physics. Hadron-hadron interactions. The quark model including spectroscopy. Quantum Chromo Dynamics (QCD). Electromagnetic interactions - form factors. The parton model and deep inelastic scattering - structure functions. Weak interactions including beta decay and Cabbibo- Kobayashi-Maskawa mixing. The unified electroweak interaction, W, Z and the Higgs boson. Beyond the Standard Model: the unification of strong and electroweak interaction, supersymmetry, neutrino oscillations and more.

Techniques for particle acceleration and particle detection will be presented. Guest lecture where innovation, collaboration with industry, technology transfer and aspects of work within large international teams will be discussed.

Instruction

Lectures, lessons, student presentations. Guest lecture.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course, hand-in problems and group seminar (4 credits). Passed oral student projekt presentation (1 credit).