Course syllabus for Standard model of particle physics

Course syllabus adopted 2023-02-07 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameStandard model of particle physics
  • CodeTIF355
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPPHS
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyEngineering Physics
  • DepartmentPHYSICS
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 85113
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0120 Examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH		7.5 c0 c0 c0 c0 c0 c
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In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Introductory course in Quantum Field Theory

Aim

To present the Standard Model of particle physics, which is a quantum field theory describing how the known elementary particles interact via the electromagnetic, weak and strong force. A key element in this theory is the Higgs mechanism, and the associated Higgs particle. The purpose of the course is to provide the students with a working knowledge of the basic concepts and features of the Standard Model, including its of predictions (which have been verified with unprecedented accuracy) as well as its experimental and theoretical shortcomings.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

- Understand the underlying principles and structure of the Standard Model of particle physics, with particular emphasis on phenomena occurring at the electroweak scale, like the Higgs mechanism.

- Work out predictions of the Standard Model and compare them with experimental data.  (For instance, production cross-section and decay of the W, Z and Higgs bosons, as well as the top quark.)

- Understand the key open questions in particle physics and the motivation for physics beyond the Standard Model. 

Content

- Chiral fermions

- Non-abelian gauge theories

- Symmetry breaking

- The Standard Model and its description of how the known elementary particles interact via the electroweak and strong force.

- Overview of the LHC and its experiments

- Examples of Standard Model processes. Particle production and decays.

- Description of how the discovery of a Higgs boson was made and how physics beyond the Standard Model is currently being searched for.

Organisation

- Lectures.

- Home assignments.

- Oral exam.

Literature

- Lecture notes.

- Pre-recorded videos.

- Articles and books available for free on the internet.

Examination including compulsory elements

The final grade is based on the homework and a voluntary oral exam (for a higher grade).

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.