NSCPHD1292 Particle Physics Phenomenology PhD course

Volume 2015/2016
Education

M.Sc. Physics

Content

 

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The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a broad and reasonably complete understanding of modern particle physics. The course will concentrate on the Standard Model of Particle Physics with the aim of
providing an overview of current experimental results and the theoretical understanding to place these results in context.

Subjects covered include:

  • Calculation of decay rates and scattering cross sections: Dirac equation, Feynman diagrams, QED, spin, chirality, Rutherford and Mott scattering, proton form factors, deep inelastic scattering, quark-parton model, parton distribution functions;
  • Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD): gluons, colour confinement;
  • Weak interactions: parity and chiral structure, W-boson propagator, universality; neutrinos and neutrino oscillations, CP violation and weak hadronic interactions;
  • Electroweak unification;
  • Tests of the Standard Model: Z resonance in electron-positron collisions, quantum loop corrections, the top quark;
  • The Higgs boson: Electroweak spontaneous symmetry breaking, particle masses, discovery.

 

Learning Outcome

Skills

At the end of the course the student is expected to be able to

  • calculate cross sections and differential distributions in simple particle physics reactions;
  • relate experimental results from a broad range of particle physics experiments to the theoretical framework of the Standard Model of Particle Physics.

 

Knowledge

The course prepares the student with a broad understanding of modern particle physics and the Standard Model. Emphasis is on the current status of
experimental results and the theoretical understanding to place these in context.

Competences

The course prepares the student with a comprehsnsive understanding of modern particle physics. The connection between experimental results and the theoretical framework of the Standard Model is highlighted. The course prepares the student with a broad background for research in the field of particle physics, for instance in terms of a MSc project.

Literature

Mark Thomson: "Modern Particle Physics" (Cambridge University Press).

Entry level is the curriculum corresponding to a bachelor degree in physics.
The text book used is self-contained, and assumes only a basic knowledge of
quantum mechanics and special relativity. To minimise repetitions, however,
lectures start at a level corresponding to what has been covered in the
bachelor level course "Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics".
Students who have not taken this course are expected to read the
corresponding parts of the book as self study.
Lectures and exercises
Restricted elective for the specialisation "Physics"
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Lectures
  • 49
  • Preparation
  • 128
  • Theory exercises
  • 28
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Oral examination, 30 min under invigilation
The final grade wull be based on two components:
i) 6 homework assignments (30%) and
ii) 30 min oral exam (70%).
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More internal examiners
Re-exam

30 min oral exam, counting 70%. Points from the written assignments during the course are carried over and contribute to the final 30%. The assignments cannot be re-submitted.

Criteria for exam assesment

12 is given for the excellent performance, demonstrating exhaustive fulfilment of the course goals, with none or very few unimportant points missing.