This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Postgraduate Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)
Module PHYS51645: Particle Physics
Department: Physics
PHYS51645: Particle Physics
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 5 | 45 | Available in 2019/2020 | None. | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
Corequisites
Excluded Combinations
Aims
- Critical understanding of the paradigms, fundamental ideas, the calculational methods and the experimental underpinnings of modern theoretical particle physics through several topics taught at MSc level.
- Ability in applying the theory and practice of this knowledge to standard and novel problems or in explaining fundamental aspects of particle theory.
- Provide an overview of all aspects of modern particle theory and in particular its phenomenology at current and future experiments.
Content
- Introductory Field Theory
- Introductory Quantum Field Theory
- Quantum Electrodynamics
- Standard Model
- Quantum Chromodynamics
- Effective Field Theories and Flavour Physics
- Astroparticle and Neutrino Physics
- Higgs Physics
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Knowledge in the topics of the lectures, and the relevant ideas and techniques.
- Understanding of the interplay across different topics
Subject-specific Skills
- Specialised and highly advanced calculational skills in the areas studied
- Solving complex, novel and specialised problems, draw conclusions and deploy physical intuition, with minimal guidance
Key Skills
- Problem solving, written presentation of an argument
- Ability to learn actively and reflectively, to develop intuition, and the ability to tackle unfamiliar and complex new material
- Self-organisation, self-discipline and self-knowledge
- Responsible research
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures in Introduction to Field Theory | 24 | 6 per week | 60 minutes | 24 | |
| Lectures in Introductory Quantum Field Theory | 8 | 2 per week | 60 minutes | 8 | |
| Lectures in Quantum Electrodynamics | 12 | 3 per week | 60 minutes | 12 | |
| Lectures in Standard Model | 12 | 3 per week | 60 minutes | 12 | |
| Lectures in Quantum Chromodynamics | 12 | 3 per week | 60 minutes | 12 | |
| Lectures in Effective Field Theory and Flavour Physics | 12 | 3 per week | 60 minutes | 12 | |
| Lectures in Neutrino and Astroparticle Physics | 12 | 3 per week | 60 minutes | 12 | |
| Lectures Higgs Physics | 12 | 3 per week | 60 minutes | 12 | |
| Self-study | 346 | ||||
| Total | 450 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% | Introduction to Field Theory, Introductory Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Electrodynamics, Standard Model | 60% | ||
| Select equivalent of 32 lectures from Quantum Chromodynamics, Effective Field Theories and Flavour Physics, Neutrino and Astroparticle Physics, Higgs Physics | 40% |
Formative Assessment
Through unmarked homework
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.