MPhys Physics

The course introduces the standard model of particle physics, namely the different fundamental particles and their interactions.  

The unit introduces the basics required for understanding and researching in particle physics, namely relativistic kinematics, Feynman diagrams, scattering amplitudes and cross sections.  

The individual forces will be described in more detail, from electromagnetic interactions to strong interaction and electroweak unification. This includes details of symmetries, conserved quantities, the hadron structures and parton distribution functions needed for calculating hardon-hadron interactions.  

The course will also touch on CP violation and the historical experiments associated with its discovery and a discussion about particularities of neutrino physics. At the end, a short outline of the open questions of the standard model will be given, with a brief look into beyond the standard model physics.   

Follow - Up Units

PHYS40521 - Frontiers of Particle Physics 1

PHYS40722 - Frontiers of Particle Physics 2

The unit aims to introduce the basics of particle physics, namely the standard model of particle physics. All fundamental particles and the forces between them will be discussed, including a discussion of the hadron structure, decay rates and a short introduction to open questions of the standard model and beyond the standard model physics. Students will acquire a set of basic tools necessary in particle physics, in particular Feynman diagrams and relativistic kinematics.  

On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:  

ILO 1

Understand the particles and forces of the standard model and perform basic kinematic calculations, and basic cross section and decay rate calculations.  

ILO 2

Identify the basic interactions of the standard model and be able to draw Feynman diagrams for given processes.  

ILO 3

Describe the symmetries and quantum numbers important in particle physics and apply these to particle physics processes.  

ILO 4  

Understand the structure of hadrons and parton distribution functions required for hadron collider physics.  

ILO 5

Identify the shortcomings of the standard model and possible solutions.  

1.  Ingredients of the Standard Model

Quarks and leptons.  Mesons and baryons.

Exchange of virtual particles.  Strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions.

2.  Relativistic kinematics

Invariant mass, thresholds and decays.

3.  Conservation laws

Angular momentum.  Baryon number, lepton number.  Strangeness.  Isospin.

Parity, charge conjugation and CP.

4.  The quark model

Supermultiplets.

Resonances; formation, production and decay.

Heavy quarks, charm, bottom and top.

Experimental evidence for quarks.

Colour; confinement and experimental value.

5.  Weak interactions

Parity violation.  Helicity.

CP violation, K0 and B0 systems.

6.  The Standard Model and beyond

Quark-lepton generations.

Neutrino oscillations.

The Higgs boson.

Grand Unified Theories

Supersymmetry.

Two one hour, live in-person lectures per week where the core material with examples will be delivered. The recordings of these lectures will be on the course online page. The lectures are accompanied by summary notes. Example sheets will be provided in line with the scheduled 3rd year workshops.  A Piazza discussion forum will also provided where students can ask questions with answers provided by other students and the unit lead. 

Feedback will be offered by examples class tutors based on examples sheets, and model answers will be issued.

Martin, B.R. & Shaw, G. Particle Physics (Wiley)