Testing the Standard Model of Particle Physics 2

Two-semester course, continuation from the previous winter semester:

1. Experimental tests of the Standard Model
1.1 Physics at the Large Hadron Collider
1.2 Search for the Higgs boson
1.3 B meson decays and the violation of the CP symmetry
1.4 Neutrino masses and neutrino oscillations
2. Search for extensions of the Standard Model
2.1 Limitations and extensions of the Standard Model
2.2 Search for unification of the fundamental interactions
2.3 Search for unification of fermions and bosons (Supersymmetry)
2.4 Search for the Dark Matter in the universe

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

- current topics and results of the LHC experiments at the highest energies,
- discovery of the Higgs boson and measurement of ist properties,
- 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.

Lectures with integrated tutorials,
tutorials optional (2SWS)

Script will be distributed.

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

CERN yellow reports, European Particle Physics School Lecture Notes (www.cern.ch)

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.