FYSS4301 Particle Physics, part A (5 cr)

Open the course unit brochure on Sisu
Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-2028

Description

PART 1: PHENOMENOLOGY AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PARTICLE PHYSICS

  • Particle physics terminology

  • Particle content of the Standard Model, interactions between elementary particles

  • Feynman diagrams

  • Relativistic description of collision kinematics

  • Cross section and decay width

  • Quantum numbers and conservation laws for elementary particles

  • Space-time symmetries and conserved quantities: translation and momentum, rotation and angular momentum, reflection and parity, charge conjugation and C-parity

  • Isospin symmetry, quantum numbers for hadrons and their excited states

  • Quark model description of hadrons: color and color confinement

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student

  • Is familiar with the structure of matter, knows the elementary particles and their mutual interactions

  • Can describe elementary-particle interactions with Feynman diagrams

  • Can apply special relativity in the particle physics context

  • Understands the experimental and mathematical definitions of cross section and decay width

  • Understands the significance and consequences of symmetries in quantum-mechanical systems, especially in particle collision and decay processes

Description of prerequisites

  • FYSA2030 and FYSA2032 Quantum Mechanics A and B

  • FYSA2004 Modern Physics, part B (special relativity) 

Study materials

Lecture notes by Kari J. Eskola or by the lecturer

Literature

  • B.R. Martin and G. Shaw: Particle Physics (Wiley), ISBN 0471 97285
  • F. Halzen and A.D. Martin: Quarks & leptons, An introductory course in modern particle physics (Wiley), ISBN 0-471-88741-2

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
This completion method is recommended: lectures+exercises+final exam.
Evaluation criteria:
Exercises (max 20 p) + final exam (max 40 p) = max 60 p. Exercise points are always part of the grading.
Time of teaching:
Period 1
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
This completion method is not recommended. This completion method is intended for students for whom method 1 is not possible for specific reasons (e.g. living elsewhere). For the practical arrangements in this option, contact the lecturer.
Evaluation criteria:
The basis for grading is the same as in the recommended completion method 1: exercises (max 20 p) + final exam (max 40 p) = max 60 p.
Time of teaching:
Period 1
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Participation in teaching (5 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
<p>Exercises&nbsp; and final exam. Weights: exercises 1/3 and final exam 2/3.</p>
Language:
English
Study methods:

Lectures and exercises + final exam.

Study materials:

Lecture notes by Kari J. Eskola or by the lecturer

Teaching

x

Independent study (5 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
<p>Exercises and final exam.&nbsp;Weights: exercises 1/3 and final exam 2/3.</p>
Language:
English
Study methods:

Independent studying, exercises, final exam. 

Study materials:

Lecture notes by Kari J. Eskola or by the lecturer

Teaching