PHYS4181: PARTICLE THEORY

• Theoretical Physics 3 (PHYS3661).

• None.

• Advanced Quantum Theory IV (MATH4061)

• This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
• It builds on the Level 3 modules Foundations of Physics 3A (PHYS3621) and Theoretical Physics 3 (PHYS3661) and provide a working knowledge of relativistic quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and gauge theory at a level appropriate to Level 4 physics students.

• The syllabus contains:
• Classical field theory; canonical quantisation of the real/complex scalar field, conserved current and charge; Green's functions and time-ordered products, Wick's theorem, Feynman diagrams and cross sections for scalar theories.
• Abelian gauge theory; canonical quantisation of Dirac and electromagnetic fields; massless fermions, helicity and chirality; Feynman rules for QED, example cross sections and processes; emergence of divergent structures.
• Non-Abelian gauge theory and Lie algebra of SU(2) and SU(3), spontaneous symmetry breaking; Phenomenology of the Standard Model. Strong interactions: deep inelastic scattering and parton model, electron positron annihilation into hadrons, asymptotic freedom. Electroweak phenomenology: Z resonance, W couplings and properties of the Higgs boson.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Having studied this module students will be familiar with key results of relativistic quantum mechanics and its application to particle physics.
• They will gain working comprehension of the principles of quantum field theory and the role of symmetry in modern particle physics.
• They will be able to carry out elementary computations such as the first order estimation for a scattering process and use these skills and the above to trace how experimental observations lead to the current Standard Model of particle physics.

Subject-specific Skills:

• In addition to the acqusition of subject knowledge, students will be able to apply knowledge of specialist topics in physics to the solution of advanced problems.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Key Skills:

• Teaching will be by lectures and workshops.
• The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module.
• The lecture material will be explicitly linked to the contents of recommended textbooks for the module, thus making clear where students can begin private study.
• When appropriate, lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links online.
• Regular problem exercises and workshops will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at mutually convenient times.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through an open-book examination and formatively assessed through problem exercises.
• The open-book examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acqusition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem- solving skills.
• The problem exercises provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.