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Ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions: The physics of the Quark-Gluon Plasma

Module PH2190

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Module version of WS 2017/8

There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.

Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.

available module versions
SS 2019SS 2018WS 2017/8WS 2013/4

Basic Information

PH2190 is a semester module in English or German language at Master’s level which is offered every semester.

This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.

  • Specific catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
  • Complementary catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
  • Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
  • Complementary catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics

If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.

Total workloadContact hoursCredits (ECTS)
150 h 40 h 5 CP

Responsible coordinator of the module PH2190 in the version of WS 2017/8 was Laura Fabbietti.

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

1. Introduction

 - Motivation

 - Kinematic variables

2. QCD

 - Parton model

 - Confinement and asymptotic freedom

 - Chiral symmetry

3. NN and AA collisions

 - Parton distribution functions

 - Bjorken model

 - Glauber model

4. Thermodynamics of the QGP

 - MIT bag model

 - Lattice QCD

 - QCD phase diagram

5. Evolution of the QGP

 - Energy density

 - Radial flow

 - Harmonic flow

 - Viscosity

6. Accelerators & Experiments

 - SPS, RHIC, LHC

 - e.g. NA50/60, PHENIX, CMS, ALICE

7. Hard Scattering

 - Jets & jet quenching

8. Quarkonia and open heavy flavour

 - Sequential melting

 - Heavy quark energy loss

9. Thermal photons and dileptons

 - QGP temperature

 - Rho spectral function (chiral symmetry)

Learning Outcome

no info

Preconditions

no info

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

Learning and Teaching Methods

no info

Media

no info

Literature

no info

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems. Furthermore each student presents a seminar talk on one of the modules topics. The module grade is obtained equally from oral exam and talk.

Exam Repetition

The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.

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