87967 - Introduction to Particle Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be introduced to the basic concepts of Particle Physics, with emphasis on the phenomenological and experimental approach. The student will acquire a basic knowledge of the fundamental interactions, the classification of particles and their properties, with reference to the Standard Model of particle physics based on leptons, quarks and gauge fields. In particular, the student will become familiar with the characteristics of the weak interaction and the phenomenology of low- and high-energy collisions with reference to classic and current experiments and he/she will have some hints on the functioning of accelerators and multipurpose detectors. Finally, the student will be able to solve simple exercises on the arguments treated in the lectures.

Course contents

1. Overview and basic concepts

2. Theoretical framework

3. Experimental facilities

4. Leptons, hadrons and classification

5. The electroweak interaction

6. Quantum chromodynamics

7. The Higgs sector

8. Beyond the Standard Model

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes and references provided on a contextual basis.

Course based on:

1) Elementary Particle Physics, Andrew J. Larkoski, CUP, 2nd rev.

2) Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics, A. Bettini, 3rd ed.

3) Modern Particle Physics, M. Thomson, CUP.

4) introduction to High Energy Physics, D. Perkins, CUP, 4rd ed.

5) Particles and Fundamental Interactions, S. Braibant, G. Giacomelli, M. Spurio, Springer.

Teaching methods

Blackboard and slides

Assessment methods

First part: quizzes on EOL

  - 10 multiple choices, 45 min, grade out of thirty

  - each question will have 4 possible choices: +3 pt for the correct answer, -1 pt for a wrong answer

Second part: oral exam

  - 20 min interview, two questions, grade out of thirty

  - it is necessary to bring a laptop/tablet, a calculator, a blank sheet of paper and a pen to take notes and do calculations if needed. It is forbidden to bring notes or texts.

To access the oral exam a >=18 grade in the quizzes is required. Final grade will be based on both quiz and oral exams.

Office hours

See the website of Maximiliano Sioli