Physics 661 begins a survey of the phenomena of the elementary particles of matter and their interactions. Over the three term sequence (661, 662, and 663) we will include the applications of particle physics to questions of cosmology and astrophysics. For the fall term we will study:
- Introduction to the particles, forces, and the observable universe
- Quarks and Leptons
- Interactions and Fields
- Invariance Principles and Conservation Laws
- Quarks in Hadrons
- Lepton and Quark Scattering
- Cosmic Rays
These topics represent an introduction to the important issues in particle physics research today. Throughout the course, the interplay between theory and experiment will be emphasized. This first quarter course is designed to give an introduction to the field of particle physics, with many of the forefront topics to follow in the second and third terms. During the subsequent terms topics will include the standard model, physics beyond the standard model, cosmological models and inflation, gravitational radiation, and experimental methods of particle physics
| Instructor: | Prof. Jim Brau
| (346-4766)
| 414B Willamette
| (enter through 414 Willamette)
|
| Class Hours: | TuTh 8:30 - 9:50
| (and substitute hours to be determined)
|
| Classroom: | 318 Willamette Hall
|
| Office Hours: | MWF 10-11 am
| |
| Texts: | Introduction to High Energy Physics, 4th Edition (2000)
| Donald H. Perkins
| (Required)
| | Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics, 2nd Edition (2004)
| Lars Bergstroem and Ariel Goobar
| (Recommended)
|
| Grading: | Grades will be based on homework problem sets, a mid-term exam and
a final exam.
| |
| September 27 - October 6 | Quarks and Leptons
| Perkins, Chapter 1
| Bergstroem and Goobar, Chapter 1
| (supplemental paper -
Particle Physics and Cosmology, John Ellis)
|
| October 11-13 | Interactions and Fields
| Perkins, Chapter 2
|
| October 18-20 | Invariance Principles and Conservation Laws
| Perkins, Chapter 3
|
| October 25-27 | Quarks in Hadrons
| Perkins, Chapter 4
|
| November 1-8 | Lepton and Quark Scattering
| Perkins, Chapter 5
|
| November 15-22 |
Parton Model and Perturbative QCD
| Lectures by D. Soper
| November 29-December 1 | Cosmic Rays
| Bergstroem and Goobar, Chapters 12, 13, and 14
|
Particle Data Group Review of Cosmic Rays
| (or
postscript)
|
| |