PHYS6011 Particle Physics
Module Overview
Relativistic wave equations with their predictions of anti-particles and fermion spin will be explored. The fundamental role of gauge symmetries in current theories of force will lead to the study of the standard model of particle physics including the symmetry breaking higgs mechanism. The importance of the most recent collider experiments such as LEP, the Tevatron and the upcoming LHC will be addressed through 6 guest lectures by experts in the field from RAL. Finally theories of particle physics beyond the standard model will be briefly investigated concentrating on their motivations and testable consequences.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
The course will take an in depth look at our experimental and theoretical understanding of the interactions of fundamental particles.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Understand and be able to calculate in relativistic quantum mechanics
- Appreciate the role of symmetries in particle physics
- Understand symmetry breaking mechanisms in particle physics
- Have a broad overview of the standard model and its predictions
- Have a broad overview of collider and detector design and running
Syllabus
Review of particles and their properties Relativistic Quantum Mechanics - Klein Gordon equation and negative energy solutions - Dirac equation, anti-particles and spin Quantum Electro Dynamics - Photons - Minimal substitution - Feynman rules of QED from Fermi's Golden Rule & g-2 - Gauge invariance Quantum Chromo Dynamics - SU(3) colour symmetry - Feynman rules - Asymptotic Freedom and the non-perturbative regime - Colour singlets Electro-weak Theory - SU(2) weak isospin - Symmetry breaking and the higgs boson - U(1) hypercharge - fermion masses, CKM matrices and CP violation Beyond the Standard Model - Neutrino mass - Naturalness and new higgs physics. - The quantum gravity problem Collider Physics - Particle sources and acceleration - Particle interactions with matter - Collider experiments and detectors - Event reconstruction and analysis
Learning and Teaching
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 66 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Completion of assessment task | 2 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Perkins (an experimental view of the subject). Introduction to High Energy Physics.
Dunningham & Vedral (for revision). Introductory Quantum Physics and Relativity.
Martin and Shaw (more phenomenological core book). Particle Physics.
Lee (essential for the part con colliders). Accelerator Physics.
Aitchison and Hey (more formal core book). Gauge Theories in Particle Physics.
Casalbuoni (good entry book to QFT). Introduction to Quantum Field Theory.
Halzen and Martin (more phenomenological core book). Quarks and Leptons.
Gorbunov and Rubakov (for Cosmology part). Introduction to the Theory of the Early Universe.
Assessment
Assessment Strategy
Non compulsory problem sheets are available on the website, including model answers, though they are not used for formal (summative) assessment purposes.
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (2 hours) | 100% |
Repeat
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: PHYS3002 AND PHYS3004 AND PHYS3007 AND PHYS3008