MPhys Physics with Astrophysics

Frontiers of Particle Physics 1

Follow - Up Units

PHYS40722 - Frontiers of Particle Physics 2

1. To provide a review of modern-day particle physics experiments, and the physics they aim to address.
2. To provide a suitable introduction to experimental methods commonly used in particle physics for students who will undertake research in the subject.

On completion successful students will be able to:

1. Identify the three experimental particle physics frontiers, and define their objectives.

2. Describe the facilities commonly used by experimental particle physicists.

3. Explain qualitative and quantitative techniques applied to particle physics experiments.

4. Judge the significance of recent and current results in the main areas of particle physics (QCD, EWK, BSM) in the wider context of past and present particle physics experiments.

5. Describe experiments planned for the near future and explain their significance.
 

1. Introduction to modern particle physics experiments
Standard Model and the three particle physics frontiers
Particle properties and experimental methods in particle physics
Modern-day experiments
Data analysis, statistics, and Monte Carlo techniques

2. Physics at the high energy frontier
Partons and QCD
Electroweak gauge bosons (W and Z bosons)
Top quark physics
The discovery of the Higgs boson
Standard Model: successes and limitations
Searches for physics beyond the Standard Model
Future Colliders
 

Feedback will be available on students’ individual written solutions to examples sheets, which will be marked, and model answers will be issued.

Martin, B. & Shaw, G., Particle Physics, (3rd ed.) (Wiley)
Leo, W. R., Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments (Springer)
Thomson, M., Modern Particle Physics (Cambridge University Press)