Grad Students: Consider Taking Phys 575 Particle Physics in Spring 2021
12/17/2020 3:14:12 PM
Course: Phys 575, Particle Physics*
Instructor: Prof. Yoni Kahn
Time: 10 - 11:20 am, Mondays and Wednesdays, Spring 2021
Location: Rm. 151 Loomis Laboratory and via Zoom
Course Description: PHYS 575 will cover the theoretical basis for the Standard Model of particle physics. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the particles, forces, and interactions of the Standard Model, and will be able to perform basic calculations which can be directly compared with experimental results to justify our understanding of the Standard Model as the correct description of elementary particle processes at energies up to 1 TeV. Topics to be covered include representations of the Lorentz and Poincaré groups; relativistic Lagrangians and the principle of gauge invariance; quantum electrodynamics, quantum chromodynamics, and the weak nuclear force, and their consequences at low- and high-energy experiments; the Higgs mechanism; and an introduction to physics beyond the Standard Model, possibly including effective field theory descriptions and dark matter. This course will prepare students for research in elementary particle theory and will also be useful for students in experimental high-energy physics, as well as for students from all fields who wish to see an explicit application of the tools and techniques of general field theory. *Phys 575 will satisfy one of your Physics Breadth Course Requirements.
Prerequisites: Interested students should have a solid background in relativity, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetism at the advanced undergraduate level, equivalent to PHYS 225, PHYS 487, and PHYS 436. No graduate prerequisites are assumed, but prior exposure to the topics covered in quantum field theory is highly encouraged.
Course Requirements: Students will be evaluated on the basis of homework assignments, class participation, and a take-home final exam.
Additional Information: Students are encouraged to contact Prof. Kahn at yfkahn@illinois.edu for further information or clarification about the prerequisites.