Standard Model Physics and Beyond

Module description

Learning aims & outcomes

 

1. Students will proficiently utilise a diverse array of learning resources, enabling them to undertake research tasks with some guidance. They will develop into self-critical learners, consistently evaluating their progress and seeking opportunities for continuous improvement.

2. By mastering the acquired techniques, students will critically analyse and comprehend a variety of theories relevant to Particle Physics. They will be able to confidently navigate complex and specialised contexts, potentially at the cutting edge of knowledge.

3. Students will cultivate their communication skills, effectively conveying topics related to Particle Physics to both specialists and non-specialists alike.

4. Equipped with a deep understanding of the subject matter, students will exhibit autonomy in managing their own professional development, fostering a lifelong commitment to learning and growth.

Syllabus

 

- Equations of motion and Lagrangians for fields of spin 0, 1/2 and 1

- Solutions to the Dirac equation

- Transformation properties of spin 0, 1/2 and 1 fields under Lorentz transformations

- Methods for computing conserved (Noether) currents associated with symmetries in classical relativistic field theories

- Concept of current algebra

- Concept of spontaneous symmetry breaking in the context of global symmetries

- Goldstone's theorem and its application to determine the number of Goldstone (i.e. massless) bosons

- Lagrangians for Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and Scalar Electrodynamics

- Concepts of 'gauging a theory' and the 'gauge covariant derivative'

- Spontaneous symmetry breaking of an Abelian gauge symmetry, including

knowledge of the fate of the Goldstone bosons, the generation of a gauge-boson mass, and connections to the phenomenon of superconductivity within the context of Scalar Electrodynamics

- Lagrangians for non-Abelian gauge theories

- Spontaneous symmetry breaking of non-Abelian gauge theories

- The electroweak sector of the Standard Model and its spontaneous breaking to electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force

- Generation of mass terms for leptons and quarks through the Higgs mechanism

- Concepts of total width, partial width, branching ratio and lifetime

- Calculation of phase space integrals in decay problems

- Calculation of tree-level scattering amplitudes in decay problems

 

Assessment details

Assessment
Details of the module's assessment/s

Type	Weighting	Marking Model
Written three hour exam Group Project	80%   20%	Double marked (Model 2) Double marked (Model 2)

Please note: - module assessment may be subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact ug-physics@kcl.ac.uk

Teaching pattern

Lectures, problem discussions and group work discussion (total 4 hours per week, all in-person)

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.