The module aims to assist students to develop creative and critical thinking, the ability to assemble material from several sources and to write an extended report and to produce a dissertation that gives a coherent account of the topic, presented in an original, well organized and appropriate manner.
This module gives a basic introduction to the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics. It provides at present our best fundamental understanding of the phenomenology of particle physics.
Content
The module starts with some field-theoretic calculation techniques on symmetries and spontaneously broken non-abelian gauge theories, followed by the construction of the Standard Model Lagrangian I for Electro Weak Gauge Interactions-EWGI. Next comes the spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Construction of The Standard Model Lagrangian II for Electro Weak Symmetry Breaking-EWS. Next, an exploration of the structure of the Standard Model, the associated phenomenology is discussed followed by some discussion of beyond the Standard Model possibilities.
The aims of this module are: to provide an introduction to classical and quantum field theory, to provide an introduction to elementary particles and their interactions, to further enhance the mathematical skills of the student, to introduce the student to some open problems in theoretical physics. This module is a pillar for any physicist and mathematician interested in the latest developments in high energy physics and the interplay of physics and advanced mathematics.
The module aims to provide a detailed understanding non-relativistic introduction to quantum electrodynamics (QED). In addition, electromagnetic interactions within the framework of the Dirac equation are also studied. This provides to students the ability to perform concrete perturbative calculations of elementary processes.
This module introduces the student to Lie groups and Lie algebras in general. These are fundamental to the formulation of modern particle physics. In order to discuss modern theories one must understand both the representation theory and structure theory of Lie algebras. Indeed this is the language in which fundamental physics theories are written.
The aim of this module is to learn how quantum mechanics and relativity need to be mutually consistent.
Content
The Klein Gordon and Dirac equations are derived as relativistic generalizations of Schrödinger and Pauli equations respectively. The Dirac equation will be analyzed in depth and its successes and limitations will be stressed.
The module starts by considering the composition of matter in terms of its most elementary constituents. This is followed by a briefly discussion on particle accelerators and detectors. Next, the properties of the elementary particles are explained, and they are classified according to these properties into two broad categories known as quarks and leptons. Next, follows the discoveries of the gauge bosons and Higgs boson. These particles interact with each other via three forces known as the electromagnetic, the weak and the strong forces, whose features and mechanism of action are explained. Next, the relationship between conservation laws and symmetries of the fundamental interactions is discussed. This relationship turns out to be the key to understanding how elementary particles behave.
The aim of this module is learn the physical basis of General Relativity (GR) as well as the most important gravitational phenomena that are described with it. This requires mastering tensorial calculus. The classical tests of GR and the familiarization with the most important spacetimes are also included as part of the course.
The main sections of the module include: Equivalence principles - Motion in the gravitational field - Tensors and differential forms - Riemannian Geometry - Einstein's field equations - Schwarzschild solution and black holes - Tests of the general theory of relativity - Gravitational waves - Cosmology.