Weakly Interacting Particles

Module PH2303

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 2021/2 (current)

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
WS 2021/2	WS 2020/1

Basic Information

PH2303 is a semester module in English language at which is offered in winter 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 Applied and Engineering Physics
Specialization Modules in Elite-Master Program Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (TMP)

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

Total workload	Contact hours	Credits (ECTS)
150 h	30 h	5 CP

Responsible coordinator of the module PH2303 is Alejandro Ibarra.

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

The Fermi Theory of Weak Interactions
Neutrino masses
Neutrino oscillations
Neutrino mass models
Advanced topics

Learning Outcome

After successful completion of the module the students are able to:

Understand the construction of the Fermi theory of weak interactions
Calculate the rates of basic processes in the Femi theory
Understand the difference between Dirac and Majorana neutrino masses
Understand the mechanism of neutrino flavor oscillations
Construct simple extensions of the Standard Model leading to non-zero neutrino masses

Preconditions

It is recommendable some knowledge of relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

WS 2021/2 WS 2020/1

Type	SWS	Title	Lecturer(s)	Dates	Links
VO	2	Weakly Interacting Particles	Ibarra, A.	Fri, 10:00–12:00, PH 3344	eLearning

Learning and Teaching Methods

In the thematically structured lecture the learning content is presented. With cross references between different topics the universal concepts in physics are shown. In scientific discussions the students are involved to stimulate their analytic-physics intellectual power

Media

Lecture, board work

Literature

F. Halzen, A. D. Martin. "Quarks & leptons: An introductory course in modern particle physics", Wiley
W. Greiner, B. Müller. "Gauge Theory of Weak Interactions", Springer
M. Peskin & D.V. Schroeder, "An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" (Taylor & Francis)

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

There will be an oral exam of 25 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

Describe the Fermi theory of weak interactions
Calculate the muon lifetime
Describe the physics of neutrino oscillations
Describe some extensions of the Standard Model leading to non-zero neutrino masses

In the exam no learning aids are permitted.

Exam Repetition

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