FYSS4302 Particle Physics, part B (4 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 B: STANDARD MODEL OF PARTICLE PHYSICS

  • Foundations of classical field theory

  • Basics of group theory, especially groups U(1), SU(2) and SU(3)

  • Lagrange density, Euler-Lagrange equations of motion

  • Gauge symmetry in classical electrodynamics

  • Relativistic quantum mechanics: Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations

  • Quantum Electrodynamics

  • Quantum Chromodynamics

  • Electroweak unification theory

  • Spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism

  • Application of Feynman rules to the calculation of cross sections at leading order in the perturbation theory

  • CKM matrix and quark mixing

  • Experimental methods in particle physics 

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student

  • Understands the structure of quantum electrodynamics, quantum chromodynamics and the electroweak unification theory based on gauge symmetries, and is familiar with the phenomenology of these theories

  • Knows the basics of group theory

  • Understands how elementary particles acquire their masses through the Higgs mechanism

  • Can describe scattering processes mathematically with the help of Feynman diagrams and Feynman rules

  • Knows the basics of experimental methods in particle physics  

Description of prerequisites

  • FYSA2030 and FYSA2032 Quantum Mechanics A and B

  • FYSA2004 Modern Physics, part B (special relativity) 

  • FYSS4301 Particle Physics, part A

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. The exercise points are always part of the grading.
Time of teaching:
Period 2
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 2
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Participation in teaching (4 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
<p>Exercises&nbsp; and final exam. Weights: exercises 1/3 and&nbsp; 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 (4 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