NFYB13008U Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
The purpose of this course is to give an introduction to the
modern description of nature's smallest units, the subatomic
systems at the femtoscale: atomic nuclei and elementary particles.
The course will cover the theoretical and experimental advances
which have lead to the current understanding of physics at the
subatomic scale, as well as outline the currently open questions in
subatomic physics.
More specifically, the course will cover the following topics:
Symmetries and conservations laws in nuclear and particle physics.
Relativistic kinematics and applications in particle physics and
heavy ion physics.
The Standard Model theory: fundamental particles (quarks and
leptons), and their interactions through the exchange of the
force-bearing particles (photons, gluons and heavy vector bosons,
representing respectively the electromagnetic, strong and weak
force). The Higgs mechanism.
Tests of the Standard Model at particle collider experiments.
Neutrino oscillations and masses.
Evidence for new physics beyond the Standard Model description.
Ultra-relativistic nucleus collisions, quark-gluon plasma in the
early universe and in the laboratory.
Nuclear models (liquid drop, shell and collective model) and the
nucleon-nucleon interaction.
Models of alpha, beta and gamma decay, fission.
Nuclear astrophysics.primordial and stellar
nucleosynthesis.
Skills
When the course is finished it is expected that the student is able
to:
Describe the nucleus as a many-body quantum mechanical system of
nucleons bound together by the strong interaction.
Explain the liquid drop model and understand the limits of
stability of nuclei.
Explain the basic features of ultrarelativistic heavy-ion
collisions and the properties of the hadron-gas to quark-gluon
phase transition.
Explain some basic models and experiments for the study of
quark-gluon plasma.
Describe the simplest nucleus (the deuteron) and neutron-proton
scattering from the Schrödinger equation applied to a square well.
Understand and describe the shell-model with central potential and
spinorbit coupling and characterize energy states in terms of the
relevant quantum numbers. Explain the extension to systems showing
collective motion (rotation and vibration). Explain alpha particle
decay, fission and fusion reactions in potential models with
barrier penetration. Explain the Fermi theory of beta decay.
Apply the main concepts acquired in the course to explain the
primordial and stellar nucleosynthesis.
Acquire a basic understanding of energy scales, masses and sizes
relevant for nuclear phenomena.
Explain the basic elements of the Standard Model of particle
physics.
Explain the theoretical and experimental results which have lead to
the formulation of the Standard Model. Describe some of the
problems and limitations contained in the Standard Model.
Use special relativity (4-vectors and Lorenz transformations) to
solve simple quantitative particle physical problems.
Use Feynman diagrams to analyze particle physical processes and
decay and calculate their rates qualitatively.
Describe the concept of symmetry and its implication in particle
physics.
Describe the structure and static and dynamic properties of
hadrons.
Be able to read and explain the essence of a scientific article in
experimental subatomic physics.
Knowledge
At the end of the course, students will master the basic concepts
and techniques of particle physics and nuclear physics. An active
student will understand the basics of the Standard Model for
particle physics and basic models describing atomic nuclei, and be
able to explain how particle and nuclear physics processes have
contributed to the evolution of the present universe.
Competence
The students will be able to read research literature in the field
and understand and discuss the main results of present day
research.
B.R. Martin
Nuclear and Particle Physics: An introduction
Second Edition
publisher: Wiley
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 48,5
- Lectures
- 66
- Practical exercises
- 40
- Preparation
- 51,5
- Total
- 206,0
As
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Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 30 minThe oral exam is based on:
A scientific article which the student draws 2 days before
the exam and presents at the exam.
Questions on the article and the relevant background
subject matter supplemented by general questions. - Aid
- All aids allowed
All aids allowed during the preparation for the exam.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
More internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment
Grade 12 is given for a performance where the student independently and with clear overview documents his/her knowledge and understanding of all the points mentioed under "Learning Outcome".
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYB13008U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Bachelor
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedule
- C
- Course capacity
- Restriction to number of participants: Max 60
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Course responsibles
- Jens Jørgen Gaardhøje (8-696374666a716c674270646b306d7730666d)
- Stefania Xella (5-89767d7d72517f737a3f7c863f757c)
Stefania Xella, phone:353-25329, Office: M, 13-1-Mb4