640-354 Nuclear and Particle Physics

Physics 640-223 or 640-243

The subject provides an introduction to the modern picture of the atomic nucleus and elementary particle physics.

Students completing this subject will be able to:

• explain the modern picture of the atomic nucleus and the physics of elementary particles; and

• solve and analyse problems in these areas by applying simple quantum mechanical reasoning.

In addition, students will enhance their ability to plan effective work schedules and manage their time to meet the deadlines for submission of assessable work and prepare for tests and examinations.

Topics covered include static nuclear properties; nuclear stability; the two nucleon problem; nuclear models for structure and reactions; alpha-decay; beta-decay; gamma-ray transitions; the quark model of hadrons; charged-lepton and neutrino physics; strong and weak interactions; symmetries and conservations laws; and experimental methods in particle physics.

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; plus tests totalling up to two hours and/or projects and/or assignments totalling up to an equivalent of no more than 3000 words, set during the semester and which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.

• W S C Williams, Nuclear and Particle Physics. Clarendon Oxford.