Elementary Particle Physics
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA347
- Code
- 1FA347
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics A1N
- Grading system
- Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 19 April 2016
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
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 (Feynman 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
- use the concept "invariant mass" to compute particle production
- describe the technological requirements of particle physics and discuss technology transfer to society
- independently identify key aspects of a topic relevant to particle physics and present them to his/her peers.
Content
The course provides an overview of modern particle physics stressing fundamental concepts and processes:
An introduction to the Standard Model of particle physics. . 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. Discussion about innovation, collaboration with industry, technology transfer and aspects of work within large international teams.
Instruction
Lectures, lessons, seminar, student presentations of mini-projects about a particle physics topic.
Assessment
Written examination at the end of the course, hand-in problems and seminar (4 credits). Oral student project presentation (1 credit).
Reading list
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2025
- Reading list valid from Spring 2025
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2022
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2021
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2019
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2017
- Reading list valid from Spring 2016
- Reading list valid from Spring 2014
- Reading list valid from Spring 2013
- Reading list valid from Spring 2012