Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PARTICLE PHYSICS
Code PHYS377
Coordinator Professor JH Vossebeld
Physics
Joost.Vossebeld@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

To build on the second year module Nuclear and Particle Physics
To develop an understanding of the modern view of particles, of their interactions and the Standard Model


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) At the end of the module the student should have: Basic understanding of relativistic kinematics (as applied to collisions, decay processes and cross sections)

(LO2) Descriptive knowledge of the Standard Model using a non rigorous Feynman diagram approach

(LO3) Knowledge of the fundamental particles of the Standard Model and the experimental evidence for the Standard Model

(LO4) Knowledge of conservation laws and discrete symmetries

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Numeracy


Syllabus

 

Introduction Overview of particle physics Relativistic Kinematics and Cross Sections Energy, momentum four vectors, short-lived particles, laboratory frame, fixed target experiments, centre-of-momentum frame, colliding beam experiments, luminosity. Quantum Numbers Charge, Coulour, Baryon, Lepton numbers, spin. The Standard Model Feyman diagrams, Electromagnetic interactions, electron-positron annihilation, colour factor, coupling constants, Deep inelastic scattering, Weak interactions, neutrinos, vector bosons, allowed decays, propagator, forbidden decays, Cabbibo, Tau decays, neutrino mass, Strong interactions, Gluons, Colour, Quantum Chromodynamics. Calculations  Exercises on calculations from previous lectures Detectors and Accelerators Tracking, calorimetry, accelerator principles Outlook and Summary Future development of particle physics, open questions and summary of course


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: 1 hour Lectures
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: To re-enforce the lecture material
Attendance Recorded: Yes

The module will be delivered in person in 2022.

Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE. The module will have regular synchronous sessions in active learning mode.
We are planning no changes to module content compared to previous years, and expect students to spend a similar amount of time-on-task compared to previous years. These changes will mainly constitute a rebalancing of hours from scheduled directed learning hours to unscheduled directed learning hours as students will have some flexibility as to when they access asynchronous materials.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

  2

      20
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 55
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
time-controlled in person examination    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
CA Component Assessment 1 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :2    20       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.