Unit information: Theoretical Particle Physics in 2016/17

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	Dr. Antognozzi
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	PHYS38014 Methods of Theoretical Physics or equivalent (eg MATH30800 Mathematical Methods and either MATH21900 Mechanics 2 or MATH31910 Mechanics 23)
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

• Describe the principle of gauge invariance and its consequences in particle physics
• Identify the different terms in the standard model Lagrangian and describe their purpose
• Qualitatively describe the Brout–Englert–Higgs mechanism
• Draw Feynman diagrams for any allowed standard model process
• Use Feynman diagrams to calculate matrix elements and interaction rates for standard model processes
• Qualitatively describe the limitations of the standard model and possible new physics scenarios.

Teaching Information

Lectures (18 hours) and problems classes (4 hours).

Assessment Information

Formative Assessment:

Problem sheets provide formative feedback.

Summative Assessment:

A final 2 hour written examination. (100%)

Reading and References

• Griffiths, Introduction to Elementary Particles (Wiley)
• Burcham and Jobes, Nuclear and Particle Physics (Longman)
• Perkins, Introduction to High Energy Physics (Addison-Wesley)
• Martin and Shaw, Particle Physics (Wiley).