Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module PHYS51645: Particle Physics

Department: Physics

PHYS51645: Particle Physics

Type Tied Level 5 Credits 45 Availability Not available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None.
Tied to G5T409

Prerequisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

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
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

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
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


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University