Testing the Standard Model of Particle Physics 1

Two-semester course, continuation in the following summer semester:

1. The Standard Model of particle physics
1.1 Principles of Quantum Field Theory
1.2 Symmetry Groups, gauge symmetries and interactions
1.3 The fundamental forces and their unification
1.4 The origin of particle masses - the Higgs mechanism
1.5 Perturbation theory and Feynman graphs
2. Experimental tests of the Standard Model
2.1 Precision measurements of the electroweak interaction
2.2 Physics at the Large Hadron Collider
2.3 Search for the Higgs boson

With the successful participation in this module the student achieves in-depth understanding of the principles of the Standard Model of particle physics with particular emphasis on

- the role of local gauge symmetries in the description of the fundamental interactions,
- the generation of elementary particle masses through spontaneous gauge symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism,
- relating theory and experiment using perturbation theory and Feynman diagrams,
- the principles and successes, but also the limitations and possible extensions of the Standard Model

as well as comprehensive overview of the current main topics, experiments and results of modern particle physics with emphasis on

- the precision measurements of the electroweak interaction by the LEP, Tevatron and LHC experiments,
- current topics and results of the LHC experiments at the highest energies,
- measurements of the CP violation in B meson decays and search for rare decays at B factories and at the LHC,
- measurements of neutrino oscillations and masses,
- search for new phenomena beyond the Standard Model: Grand Unification of all interactions, supersymmetric particles, Dark Matter,
- concepts and functionality of modern particle physics experiments.

No requirements in addition  to admission to the master studies.

In the lectures, the contents are presented according to topics. The basic concepts of the Standard Model of particle physics and the major experimental tests of the theoretical predictions up to the latest experiments and measurement results are explained. Special emphasis is put on the discussion of the findings with the students in order to deepen the understanding of the principles of the theory and the interconnection with the experimental tests.

In the tutorials, the understanding of the concepts widened by discussing problems and additional applications enabling the students to explain the contents and apply them in a different context.

Lectures with integrated tutorials and script. The tutorials are optional for deepening and widening of the acquired knowledge. The script is handed out for the lectures.

• B. Povh, K. Rith, Ch. Scholz, F. Zetsche: Teilchen und Kerne, Springer, 1997.
• Ch. Berger: Elementarteilchenphysik, Springer, 2002.
• P. Schmueser: Feynmangraphen und Eichtheorien fuer Experimentalphysiker, Springer, 1995.
• I. J. R. Aitchison, A. J. G. Hey: Gauge Theories in Particle Physics, Vol. 1, Institute of Physics Publishing, 2002.
• W. Greiner, B. Mueller: Quantum Mechanics - Symmetries, Springer, 2. Auflage, 1994.

In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.

In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as a written test. In this case the time duration is 60 minutes.