PHS3062 - Fundamental particle physics

Leader: Associate Professor Andrei Nikulin

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides part of a major in experimental physics. It consists of two 12-lecture sub-units, and laboratory work. Key areas are:

1. Nuclear Physics: nuclear stability, shell model and angular momentum, radioactive decay selection rules, the neutrino and Fermi theory of beta decay, nuclear force;
2. Elementary Particles: spin, parity, isotopic spin, strangeness and baryon/ lepton number, conservation laws of the fundamental interactions, symmetry theories, and Laboratory work: experiments and simulations on relevant topics.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to: understand fundamental concepts used to describe nuclear systematics, nuclear models and nuclear structure, the properties of elementary particles, their interactions and role in cosmological evolution, be able to identify and apply theoretical relationships that quantify nuclear and particle properties, perform a series of measurements on experiments related to the above topics and write up professional reports that present results obtained from experiments, analysis and critical discussion.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 48%
Laboratory work: 34%
Assignments: 18%
Students must achieve a pass mark in the practical component to achieve an overall pass grade.

Contact hours

An average of 2 hours lectures, 1.5 hours tutorial and 2.5 hours laboratory work per week

Prerequisites

PHS2011, PHS2022, MTH2010, MTH2032

Prohibitions

ASP3222