Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - PHYS 871 G100

Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics (3)

Class Number: 5887

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2022
    Sun, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 812.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Elementary particle phenomenology; classification of particles, forces, conservation laws, relativistic scattering theory, electromagnetic interactions of leptons and hadrons, weak interactions, gauge theories, strong interactions.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics:
• Relativistic Kinematics
• Overview of Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Classical Field Theories.
• Introduction to Feynman Diagrams and Reaction Amplitudes.
• Interactions and Quantum Electrodynamics.
• Symmetries, Groups and Conservation Laws. The Gauge Principle.
• SU(2) × U(1)Y Electroweak Theory and the Higgs Mechanism.
• SU(3)color and the Quark model of hadrons.
• Deep Inelastic Scattering: The Structure of the Nucleon.
• Neutrino Physics
• Experimental Concepts
• Recent results and progress in the field.

 

 

Grading

  • Assignments 25%
  • Midterms (2x20%) 40%
  • Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

This grading scheme will be different for graduate students who will also have a term paper to hand in.  We will discuss the size of this project in the first week of class and adjust the marking scheme appropriately.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required text:
Modern Particle Physics
Thomson
ISBN:9781107034266

Recommended Texts:
Intro To Elementary Particles
Griffiths
ISBN: 9783527406012

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.