Module PHYS4181: PARTICLE THEORY

Department: Physics

PHYS4181: PARTICLE THEORY

Prerequisites

• Theoretical Physics 3 (PHYS3661).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Advanced Quantum Theory IV (MATH4061)

Aims

• This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
• It builds on the Level 3 modules Foundations of Physics 3A (PHYS3621) and Theoretical Physics 3 (PHYS3661) and provide a working knowledge of relativistic quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and gauge theory at a level appropriate to Level 4 physics students.

Content

• The syllabus contains:
• Classical field theory; canonical quantisation of the real/complex scalar field, conserved current and charge; Green's functions and time-ordered products, Wick's theorem, Feynman diagrams and cross sections for scalar theories.
• Abelian gauge theory; canonical quantisation of Dirac and electromagnetic fields; massless fermions, helicity and chirality; Feynman rules for QED, example cross sections and processes; emergence of divergent structures.
• Non-Abelian gauge theory and Lie algebra of SU(2) and SU(3), spontaneous symmetry breaking; Phenomenology of the Standard Model. Strong interactions: deep inelastic scattering and parton model, electron positron annihilation into hadrons, asymptotic freedom. Electroweak phenomenology: Z resonance, W couplings and properties of the Higgs boson.

Learning Outcomes

• Having studied this module students will be familiar with key results of relativistic quantum mechanics and its application to particle physics.
• They will gain working comprehension of the principles of quantum field theory and the role of symmetry in modern particle physics.
• They will be able to carry out elementary computations such as the first order estimation for a scattering process and use these skills and the above to trace how experimental observations lead to the current Standard Model of particle physics.

• In addition to the acqusition of subject knowledge, students will be able to apply knowledge of specialist topics in physics to the solution of advanced problems.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching will be by lectures and workshops.
• The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module.
• The lecture material will be explicitly linked to the contents of recommended textbooks for the module, thus making clear where students can begin private study.
• When appropriate, lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links online.
• Regular problem exercises and workshops will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at mutually convenient times.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through an open-book examination and formatively assessed through problem exercises.
• The open-book examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acqusition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem- solving skills.
• The problem exercises provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Problem exercises and self-assessment, workshops and problems solved therein.

■ 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