PX3A5-15 The Standard Model
Introductory description
The Standard Model (SM) of Particle Physics describes elementary particles (the quarks, leptons, and bosons) and their interactions. This module explores the symmetries on which the SM is based, outlines the defining properties of the three interactions and discusses the experimental evidence for the Standard Model. We will look at Noether's theorem (for any continuous symmetry there is a conserved quantity, eg conservation of charge and invariance under gauge transformations are the same thing), flavour symmetry, parity and others, as well as the reasons for quark confinement. We will also study the concept of a momentum-transfer dependent coupling, quark mixing and questions about unification.
Module aims
To describe the main features of the Standard Model of particle physics and to identify major pieces of experimental evidence supporting the key theoretical ideas
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Introduction and the language of Particle Physics
The structure of the Standard Model
Symmetries and Conservation Rules
Aspects of Quantum Electrodynamics, the Weak Interaction, the Strong Interaction
Triumphs and Limitations of the Standard Model
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Explain qualitatively how elementary particles and their interactions are described by local gauge theories
- Demonstrate quantitatively important aspects of the model and quote experimental evidence that supports it
- Discuss the limitations of the established theory
Indicative reading list
B.R. Martin, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Wiley (2016)
B.R. Martin and G. Shaw, Wiley-Blackwell (2017)
Introduction to High Energy Physics, Donald Perkins, Addison Wesley (2000)
D. Griffiths, Introduction to Elementary Particles, Wiley (2008)
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Knowledge of mathematics and physics. Skills in modelling, reasoning, thinking
Transferable skills
Analytical, communication, problem-solving, self-study
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 sessions of 1 hour (20%) |
| Private study | 120 hours (80%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Working through lecture notes, solving problems, wider reading, discussing with others taking the module, revising for exam, practising on past exam papers
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group B
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person Examination | 100% | No | |
|
Answer 3 questions
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Feedback on assessment
Personal tutor, group feedback
Courses
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 3 of UPXA-F300 Undergraduate Physics (BSc)
-
UPXA-F303 Undergraduate Physics (MPhys)
- Year 3 of F300 Physics
- Year 3 of F303 Physics (MPhys)
- Year 4 of UPXA-F301 Undergraduate Physics (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 3 of UPXA-F3F5 Undergraduate Physics with Astrophysics (BSc)
- Year 3 of UPXA-F3FA Undergraduate Physics with Astrophysics (MPhys)
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 3 of UPXA-GF13 Undergraduate Mathematics and Physics (BSc)
-
UPXA-FG31 Undergraduate Mathematics and Physics (MMathPhys)
- Year 3 of GF13 Mathematics and Physics
- Year 3 of FG31 Mathematics and Physics (MMathPhys)
- Year 4 of UPXA-GF14 Undergraduate Mathematics and Physics (with Intercalated Year)