PA 442 opt4430 Elementary Particles: Standard
Model
Subject knowledge
Aims: To provide a basic understanding, with quantitative
details where possible, of the main features of the standard model of
elementary particles.
Learning outcomes: Students should be able to:
state the formulation of particle physics in terms of a Lagrangian. Describe
the principles according to which the Lagrangian is constructed, including
global and local symmetry, the gauge principle and symmetry breaking. Give the
detailed structure for electromagnetism give a semi-quantitative account of the
weak interactions and an outline of the strong interactions
Methods: Lectures, Recommended textbook with example
problems
Assessment: examination problems based on question sheets. (Do 1 or 2 questions from 3.)
Skills
Aims: appreciation of the fundamental aspects of elementary particle physics
and the components of the current model
Learning
outcomes: students should be able to give a quantitative
account of the structure of electromagnetic theory and of how this structure
can be extended to other interactions; enhanced mathematical skills;
appreciation of applications of mathematics to physics
Methods: lectured examples, problem sheets, and revision session
Assessment: not assessed independently
Staff: DJR
Prerequisite
modules opt 321, opt322, opt 3648
Syllabus
The Lagrangian formulation
of electromagnetism
Symmetry breaking
Gauge fields
The electroweak theory
SU(3) theory of strong
interactions
Preliminary reading:
Elementary Particles, Hughes IS (Cambridge UP, 1985)
Introduction to High Energy
Physics, Perkins,
D H (Cambridge UP, 4th ed 2000)
Reading
A An introduction to the Standard model of Particle Physics, Cottingham W N & Greenwood D A, (Cambridge UP, 1998)
Module evaluation:
Course questionnaire, Peer review, Analysis of examination results
Down to Resources.
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PA 442 opt4430 Elementary Particles: Standard
Model
Resources:
Problems sheet handout
Overheads handout
Practice Examination paper