87977 - Subnuclear Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will know the conceptual foundations of subnuclear physics. He/she will be introduced to the notions of symmetry principles and groups and their mathematical formalism, in order to describe the gauge theories (QED, QFD and QCD) of the Standard Model as well as its possible extensions.

Course contents

1. Gauge theories (global and local, Abelian and non-Abelian), continuous symmetries, and Noether's theorem.
2. Decay and transition rates, scattering cross sections; introduction to Feynman diagrams and Feynman rules.
3. The Dirac equation, helicity, and chirality.
4. Electromagnetic interaction and the gauge theory of electromagnetic interactions (QED).
5. Weak interactions, flavour mixing, the Cabibbo angle, the Glashow–Iliopoulos–Maiani (GIM) mechanism, the Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa (CKM) matrix, and CP violation.
6. Gauge theory of the electroweak interactions (QFD).
7. Strong interaction and the gauge theory of the strong interaction (QCD).
8. The subnuclear structure of matter: nucleon structure, confinement and deconfinement, phases of strongly interacting matter, and the quark–gluon plasma.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Mark Thomson, Modern particle physics (Cambridge University Press).
2. Matthew D. Schwartz, Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model,2021, Cambridge University Press - ISBN: 9781107034730

Other:

1. C. Quigg, Gauge Theories of the Strong, Weak and Electromagnetic Interactions (Addison-Wesley Publishing Company)
2. I.J.R. Aitchison, A.J.G. Hey, Gauge Theories in Particle Physics, volume I: From Relativistic Quantum Mechanics to QED; volume II: QCD and the Electroweak Theory (Institute of Physics Publishing)
3. F. Halzen, A.D. Martin, Quarks and Leptons: an Introductory Course in Modern Particle Physics (John Wiley & Sons)
4. R.Cahn and G. Goldhaber, The Experimental Foundations of Particle Physics, Cambrige University Press
5. D. Griffiths, Introduction to Elementary Particles (Wiley-vch)
6. A. Bettini, Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics (Cambridge University Press)

Teaching methods

Lectures that may also include a number of topical seminars

Assessment methods

Part I: Written Examination

• Written examination covering the topics presented during the course.
• Graded on a 30-point scale; a minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass.
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
• The written examination may be taken starting from the first examination session following the end of the lectures and remains valid until the last examination session before the beginning of the lectures of the following academic year.

Part II: Oral Examination

• Admission to the oral examination is contingent upon passing the written examination.
• Duration: approximately 30–40 minutes.
• The examination focuses primarily on an in-depth topic agreed upon in advance with the instructor.
• Questions on other topics covered during the course, as well as on the written examination, may also be asked.
• Students may use presentation slides or the blackboard during the discussion of the selected topic.

For students enrolled in academic years prior to 2026/27, the previous examination format will remain in effect.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support service well in advance:https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/itThe support service will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the instructor at least 15 days in advance for approval. Their suitability will be assessed in light of the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Slides and video projector

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Bellini