Spring 2021 - PHYS 871 G100

Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics (3)

Class Number: 2651

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2021
    Wed, 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.

Mode of teaching:

Lecture: synchronous (also recorded for review); class notes distributed beforehand.  High-speed internet connection required; we will likely use Zoom, but maybe something else in addition. You should have a webcam and microphone for class participation.

Tutorial: synchronous; same requirements as for the lecture. In addition, there will be two tests in the tutorial time slot. You will need software to scan your test paper into a pdf file, which you will then submit to Crowdmark.  We will discuss this in the first tutorial. You will also be required to have a camera so you can project your image on Zoom during the exams.

Midterm(s): The tutorial tests will play the role of two midterms.

Final exam: synchronous; date: TBA. Same technical requirements as for the tests.

Assignments:  About once every two weeks.  You will submit assignments the same way as described above for the tests/exams (pdf scans into Crowdmark).

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

Technology Requirements:
Computer, high speed Internet connection, webcam, microphone, ability to scan-to-pdf. 

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).