2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3543 Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics

15 creditsClass Size: 115

Module manager: Dr Robert Purdy
Email: r.purdy@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Level 2 Physics or equivalent

Module replaces

PHYS 3541 Nuclear and Particle Physics

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

This module provides an in-depth introduction to theoretical particle physics. It is a basis for further study in particle physics, astrophysics, detector physics and other areas of science and technology, which require elementary knowledge of particle physics concepts.

Learning outcomes
Students should be able to: discuss the standard model of particle physics; derive and solve relativistic wave equations; predict particle properties using relativistic kinematics; discuss symmetries, conservation laws and violation of C, P and CP symmetries; discuss some aspects of particle physics beyond the standard model.

Syllabus

Classification of particles; tensor/index notation; relativistic wave equations (Klein-Gordon, Maxwell, Proca, Dirac); relativistic kinematics including chirality and helicity; gauge invariance and the gauge principle; non-Abelian gauge symmetry; the standard model; CKM matrix; symmetries and conservation laws; C, P and CP violation; brief introduction to particle physics beyond the standard model (including Majorana fermions, grand unification and the graviton)

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	33	1.00	33.00
Private study hours			117.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Revise lectures;
read around material in recommended books;
practise problem solving.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly homeworks (non-assessed)

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 30 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 05/09/2017

Disclaimer

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