MPhys Physics

The course provides theoretical concepts required to calculate a Feynman diagram for basic processes in particle physics.  

The course will teach techniques on how to calculate Feynman diagrams and how to translate this into experiments. The first weeks will concentrate on simple electromagnetic interactions and then show what is required to extend this to weak and strong interactions.  

The last third of the course will discuss particle interaction with matter and what the requirements are for building a particle physics detector, as well as giving an introduction to particle physics simulations.  

Pre-requisites: Core units (QM, EM), Particle Physics 30421 

The unit aims to introduce basic calculation in particle physics, providing students with understanding of theoretical calculations required for experimental particle physicists.  

Furthermore, the unit aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the detectors needed to perform experimental particle physics research.  

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

ILO 1

Understand and apply theoretical basics of particle physics calculations and derive cross sections for basic scattering/annihilation processes

ILO 2

Explain the main concepts behind the electromagnetic interactions and identify changes required for strong interaction calculations and electron proton interactions.  

ILO 3

Value the requirement for electroweak unification and its consequences

ILO 4  

Identify the experimental challenges of modern particle physics experiments and define technical solutions

ILO 5

Explain qualitative and quantitative techniques applied to particle physics experiments

A two-hour live in-person lecture will be delivered each week, including core material and example calculations. The recordings of these lectures will be on the course online page. The lectures are accompanied by summary notes. A Piazza discussion forum will also provided where students can ask questions with answers provided by other students and the unit lead. 

Modern Particle Physics, M. Thomson