SI2400 Theoretical Particle Physics 7.5 credits
"Theoretical Particle Physics" will give the students fundamental knowledge about the systematics and reactions of particles within the framework of the so-called Standard Model.
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Application
For course offering
Spring 2025 Start 17 Mar 2025 programme students
Application code
61133
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Introductory survey. Conservation laws. Basic reaction theory. Feynman diagrams. Lorentz invariance. One particle states. Binary reactions. Determination of mass. Scattering theory (the S-matrix, decay rate, scattering cross-section). Symmetries. Time-reversal. Space-reflection. Charge conjugation. Determination of spin and parity of particles. Isospin. Strangeness. The quark model. Color. Hadron spectroscopy. Quarkonium. Electroweak interaction of quarks. The Higgs mechanism. Deep inelastic scattering. Neutrino physics. Neutrino oscillations.
Intended learning outcomes
After completion of the course you should be able to:
- know and describe the standard model of particle physics.
- compute decay rates and cross-sections with help of relativistic kinematics.
- use symmetries to restrict the form of the S-matrix, for example, isospin, discrete symmetries, and spacetime symmetries.
- give an account of and describe the static properties of the hadrons from the quark model.
- know the basic principles of the electroweak theory.
- have knowledge about how deep inelastic scattering shows the existence of quarks in the nucleons.
- know about basic neutrino physics and describe neutrino oscillations.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
English B / English 6
Recommended prerequisites
Relativity Theory.
Advanced Quantum Mechanics.
Relativistic Quantum Physics (recommended).
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- INL1 - Assignments, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Hand in assignments (INL1; 4,5 university credits) and a theory exam (TEN1; 3 university credits).
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
No
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.