| Unit name | Theoretical Particle Physics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYSM0800 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Goldstein |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
PHYS30021 and PHYS32011 or the equivalent taken as part of a Year in Industry or Year Abroad, and PHYS30008 Analytical Mechanics. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The standard model of particle physics was developed in the 1960s and 1970s, and has successfully explained or predicted the results of high energy experiments up to and including the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012. The variety of phenomena described by the standard model seems bewilderingly diverse, but it is elegantly built on very straightforward foundations.
This unit explains the principle of “gauge symmetries” (i.e. invariance under local transformations) on which the standard model is based, and introduces (or revises) the required mathematical techniques such as Lagrangian mechanics, Noether’s Theorem and group theory. It then proceeds to build a complete mathematical description of standard model particles as solutions to the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations, with interactions via the electroweak and strong forces arising from invariance under gauge symmetries.
The theory will include the spontaneous breaking of the electroweak symmetries via the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism. and proceeds to develop the mathematical theory of the fundamental particles and their interactions.
The procedures of the Feynman calculus will be derived from the theory, allowing the calculation of scattering cross sections and decay rates from first principles.
There will also be a discussion of the limitations of the standard model and possible physics scenarios beyond it.
Students should be able to:
The unit will be taught through a combination of
Formative Assessment: Problem sheets provide formative feedback.
Summative Assessment: Written timed, open-book examination (100%)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYSM0800).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
