Particle Physics I

6 EC

Semester 1, period 1

53541PAP6Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. Ivo van Vulpen
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Physics and Astronomy, track Astronomy and Astrophysics, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

The lectures start with a kaleidoscopic overview of the history of particle physics. After that scattering theory is introduced at the hand of Fermi's golden rule leading to a prescription for the calculation of cross sections and decay widths using Feynman diagrams. The scattering theory is then applied to the case of quantum electrodynamics, first for spinless particles and then for particles with spin. The weak interaction is discussed leading to the calculation of the muon decay width. We introduce the concept of local gauge invariance to describe the unified electroweak interaction resulting in the calculation of the process: e+e- -> (gamma,Z) -> mu^+ mu-. The last part of the lecture is dedicated to Electroweak symmetry breaking (the Higgs mechanism) and experimental and theoretical discussions on the Higgs boson. 

Study materials

Literature

  • Mark Thomson, 'Modern Particle Physics', Cambridge Univ. Press, 2013, ISBN: 9781107034266.

Syllabus

  • Particle Physics 1

Objectives

  • The objective of this course is to provide students an in-depth knowledge of the theory of particle physics in particular in relation with particle physics experiments.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Seminar

Lectures and tutorials. Course is scheduled twice per week.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

168

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    1 (100%)

    Tentamen

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    WeeknummerOnderwerpenStudiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8

    Additional information

    Recommended prior knowledge: Bachelor's course 'Inleiding in de elementaire (astro) deeltjesfysica'.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. Ivo van Vulpen