PHYS52230: Elementary Particle Theory I A

• A First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree in Mathematics or Physics.

• PHYS52330: Elementary Particle Theory I B

• None

• To impart an understanding of the ideas, the mathematical methods and the experimental underpinnings of modern theoretical particle physics through several topics taught at MSc level. In respect of the particular areas, to acquire ability in applying the theory and practice of this knowledge to standard and novel problems or in explaining fundamental aspects of the theory.
• To provide students with an introduction to theories of quantum field theory, general relativity, and group theory needed for a study of particle physics, string theory and cosmology.
• To equip students for the more advanced topics to be studied in Elementary Particle Theory II A (MATH52430) and Elementary Particle Theory II B (MATH52530).

• Introductory Field Theory;
• Group Theory;
• General Relativity;
• Quantum Field Theory I (i.e. path integrals for quantum mechanics).

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Students will master a body of knowledge from the following topics: Introductory Field Theory, General Relativity, Group Theory, and Quantum Field Theory.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Students will develop highly specialised and advanced mathematical skills in the areas studied.
• They will be able to solve complex, novel and specialised problems, draw conclusions and deploy physical intuition, with minimal guidance.
• They will develop their mathematical self-sufficiency and be able to read and understand advanced theoretical physics independently.

Key Skills:

• (1) Problem solving, written presentation of an argument.
• (2) The ability to learn actively and reflectively and to develop intuition, the ability to tackle material which is given both unfamiliar and complex.
• (3) Self-organisation, self-discipline and self-knowledge.

• Lectures indicate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to examples.
• Assessed assignments provide practice in the application of high level of rigour and sophisticated techniques of mathematical physics as well as feedback for the students and the lecturer on students' progress.
• The examinations assess the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve both standard and novel problems.
• The ability to solve problems will show that the key skills have been developed. (Group (1) is tested directly in the problem solving and group (2) either directly or indirectly by the testing of the knowledge acquired. For group (3), a student who has acquired the knowledge and skills to succeed in this module will necessarily have had to develop the ability to organise and execute a programme of work and will discover aspects of and limits of their ability.

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