FY545: Particle physics

The course builds on the knowledge acquired in the courses: FY546: Advanced Mechanics and Relativity Theory (10 ECTS), FY544: Quantum mechanics I (5 ECTS) and FY547: Quantum mechanics II (5 ECTS) and gives an academic basis for studying the topics of particle physics, relativistic quantum field theory, astrophysics, and the theory of general relativity and cosmology that are part of the degree.

In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:

• Give the student research based knowledge about fundamental theory as well as selected topics in modern physics research. 
• Give the student knowledge about central topics in the philosophy of science.
• Give the student knowledge about the history of particle physics.
• Train the student to be able to investigate physical phenomena using theory and to extract the fundamental physical aspects of a given problem. 

Applications:
Many of the fundamental particle physics issues encountered in this course have practical applications. We directly study electron-positron annihilation which is at the base of the PET (positron emission tomography) scanner used for instance to detect tumors and bone formation in the human body. The course equips the student with the basic particle physics tools (cross sections, decay rates, amplitudes, Feynman diagrams, Feynman rules, etc.) which are needed to understand for instance particle therapy and also sustainable nuclear energy issues at a fundamental level.

• Intro phase (lectures): 20 hours
• Training phase: 26 hours, hereof tutorials: 26 hours