| 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. Dugdale |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
PHYS32012 Particle Physics 301. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Symmetry in Physics and Group Theory. Young's Tableaux. Types of symmetries in particle physics: flavour, charge, parity, time, exchange, isospin, lorentz invariance, gauge invariance. The quark model of hadrons (mesons and baryons). Lifetimes and cross-sections. Introduction to Feynman Diagrams. Calculations of basic Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) processes. Calculation of basic Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) processes. Calculation of basic Electroweak processes. Spontaneous symmetry breaking, the Higgs mechanism, and the origin of mass.
Aims:
To study the various (approximate and exact) symmetries found in particle physics. In particular, to study the role of gauge symmetries in the Standard Model. To learn how to calculate rates of electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions using Feynman diagrams.
Outline syllabus:
Symmetry in Physics and Group Theory. Young's Tableaux. Types of symmetries in particle physics: flavour, charge, parity, time, exchange, isospin, lorentz invariance, gauge invariance. The quark model of hadrons (mesons and baryons). Lifetimes and cross-sections. Introduction to Feynman Diagrams. Calculations of basic Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) processes. Calculation of basic Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) processes. Calculation of basic Electroweak processes. Spontaneous symmetry breaking, the Higgs mechanism, and the origin of mass.
Able to describe symmetries mathematically using group theory. Know the evidence for violation of P and CP symmetries and the implications. Understand the role of flavour symmetry in the development of the Standard Model. Appreciate the central role of lorentz invariance and gauge symmetry in modern particle theory. Able to calculate basic QED, QCD, Electroweak Feynman diagrams. Explain the spontaneous symmetry breaking and its role in the Higgs mechanism.
Lectures (18 hours) and problems classes (4 hours).
Formative Assessment:
Problem sheets provide formative feedback.
Summative Assessment:
Please indicate the contribution of each element of assessment to the final unit mark
A final 2 hour written examination.
Required text: Griffiths, Introduction to Elementary Particles (Wiley) Other useful texts: Burcham and Jobes, Nuclear and Particle Physics (Longman) Perkins, Introduction to High Energy Physics (Addison-Wesley) Martin and Shaw, Particle Physics (Wiley).
