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 web page

Module aims

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