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High Energy Physics

Code: 103947
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Physics OP 4

Contact lecturer

Name :
Alex Pomarol Clotet
Email :
alex.pomarol@uab.cat

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

It is highly recommended to have followed the courses Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Theoretical Mechanics and Non-linear Systems, and Electrodynamics and Synchrotron Radiation, Advanced Mathematical Methods, and to follow, in parallel, the course Advanced Quantum Mechanics.

Objectives

The main purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to modern particle physics, starting with how particles and interactions are defined, and using this framework to describe the electromagnetic, strong, and weak interactions, culminating in the formulation of the Standard Model of elementary particles.

Learning outcomes

  1.  Carry out academic work independently using bibliography (especially in English), databases and through collaboration with other professionals
  2. Communicate complex information in an effective, clear and concise manner, either orally, in writing or through ICTs, in front of both specialist and general publics.
  3. Use critical reasoning, show analytical skills, correctly use technical language and develop logical arguments
  4. Work independently, take initiative itself, be able to organize to achieve results and to plan and execute a project.
  5. Working in groups, assume shared responsibilities and interact professionally and constructively with others, showing absolute respect for their rights.
  6. Apply gauge invariance for the Lagrangian determination of electroweak interactions and quantum chromodynamics.
  7. Obtain transition amplitudes for electroweak and simple strong processes using Feynman's rules.
  8. Calculate cross sections of electroweak and strong simple processes.
  9. Establish the bases for the comprehensive formulation of Abelian and non-Abelian quantum field theories.
  10. Formulate the bases for elementary particle-detection techniques.
  11. Analyse approaches at tree-level for electroweak and strong simple processes.
  12. Analyse the limits of high and low energy for electroweak and strong simple processes.
  13. Use Feynman's rules in strong and electroweak simple processes.
  14. From a specific initial and final state, structure and develop the strategy and calculation for the cross section of a strong or electroweak process.
  15. Identify situations in which a change or improvement is needed.
  16. Identify the social, economic and environmental implications of academic and professional activities within one's own area of knowledge.
  17. Use Noether's theorem in quantum field theories.

Contents

HIGH-ENERGY PHYSICS (PARTICLE PHYSICS)


- Motivation: (Book 1 and 2 of bibliography)

- The need for relativistic quantum mechanics

- Natural units & scales in physics


- Symmetries: (Book 2,3,4 and 5)

- Review of group theory

- Spacetime symmetries: Lorentz & Poincare group

- Massive and massless particle representations

- Global symmetries


- Elementary particles: (Book 2,3,4 and 5)

- Definition of particle & multi-particle states

- From particles to fields

- Building theories for particle interactions


- Elementary Processes: (Book 3,6 and 7)

- S-matrix & scattering amplitudes

- Cross-section and decay width

- Perturbation theory


- Quantum ElectroDynamics (QED): (Book 2,3, 6 and 8)

- From massive to massless spin-1 interactions and need for symmetries

- Gauge theories

- Electrons & positrons, and their interactions with photons

- Basic QED physical processes


- Strong Interactions: (Book 2, 4 and 8)

- Hadrons and their approximate symmetries

- Quark model

- Non-abelian gauge theories

- Quantum ChromoDynamics (QCD)

- Quark confinement & physical implications


- Weak Interactions: (Book 2, 4 and 8)

- Experimental evidences of neutrinos

- Fermi Theory of charged currents

- Neutral currents

- W and Z boson and the electro-weak theory

- The Higgs mechanism & the Higgs particle


- Standard Model of elementary particles:

- Particle content


- Main problems in particle physics:

- Dark Matter, Quantum Gravity, unification of forces,…

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Study of Theoretical Foundations 60 2.4 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Theory Lectures 33 1.32 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Exercises 16 0.64 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16
Exercises 29 1.16 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Theory Lectures and Exercises.

Classwork and Homework.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Exam 2n part 70% 3 0.12 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17
Exam 1st part 20% 3 0.12 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17
Make-up Exam 90% 3 0.12 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17
Homework 10% 3 0.12 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

The evaluation will consist of two exams and exercises to be completed at home

Bibliography

Bibliography:


1) “The anthropic cosmological principle”, J.D. BARROW and F.J. TIPLER, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, 1986)

2) ‎”Concepts of Elementary Particle Physics, M. Pekin, Oxford University Press, 2019

3) “Fundamentals of Quantum Field Theory”, R. Luty and T. Cohen, pdf version on the campus virtual

4) "Gauge theory of elementary particle physics\", T.-P. CHENG and L.-F. LI, CLARENDON PRES (OXFORD)

5) “Quantum Field Theory”, L.H. Ryder, Cambridge University Press 1996

6) "Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model\", MATTHEW D. SCHWARTZ, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

7)”Introduction to quantum field theory\", M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder, ISBN 0-201-50397-2

8) “QUARKS AND LEPTONS: An Introductory Course in Modern Particle Physics”, F. Halzen and A. D. Martin, JOHN WILEY &SONS




Software

It is recommended to use Mathematica Student Edition.

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TE) Theory 1 English second semester morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices 1 English second semester afternoon