B1046 - GRANDI CONQUISTE E TRAGUARDI DELLA FISICA DELLE PARTICELLE

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have a general knowledge of the path that gave rise to modern particle physics, of the main experimental results that have characterized its evolution and of the most important technological implications that such research has had on contemporary society. He/she will also learn about the state of the art of frontier research and the main directions towards which the scientific community is moving to resolve the most important questions of fundamental physics that are still open.

Course contents

The great achievements of particle physics and the consecration of the Standard Model: the discovery of c, b, and t quarks, the tau lepton, symmetry violations, neutrinos and flavor oscillations, the Quark Gluon Plasma, the Higgs Boson. Interlude: the social implications of particle physics in medicine, security, computing, and communications. Particle physics as a driver of technological innovation. The great achievements of particle physics: the need for the extension of the Standard Model, new guiding principles and new paradigms, the future of fundamental physics. The large infrastructures on the horizon: new complexes for high-energy colliders and new artificial neutrino beams.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons. Part of the lessons is dedicated to the discussion of questions and exercises

Assessment methods

The student will have to study a topic from a list provided by the professors. The study consists of a short essay (maximum 5 pages) and an oral presentation with slides (maximum 15 slides for a maximum of 15 minutes), with particular attention to the bibliographical references. Starting from the topics presented in the presentation, the commission will then proceed with questions that will focus on the content of the entire course.

In any case, the student must present his work orally to the examining committee and, if possible, to other students. After the presentation, there will be an open question session: an average of three.

Only if the student answers the questions completely will the grade be 30. Otherwise, the grade will be deducted by 1-4 points for each incomplete question.

Students with DSA or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is recommended to contact the responsible University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it): it will be the office's responsibility to propose any adaptations to the interested students, which must however be submitted, with a 15-day notice, to the approval of the professor, who will evaluate the opportunity also in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Slides presented in class and notes on Virtuale

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Gabrielli

See the website of Luisa Cifarelli

See the website of Angelo Carbone