Particle Physics
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to learn the experimental evidences and the methodologies that led to the formulation of the Standard Model (SM) of elementary particle physics, from the beginning of the discipline in the 30s and 40s of the last century until the formulation of the SM. The course is closely linked to the theoretical courses of the first semester and to the annual course of Laboratory. At the end of the course the students have to: 1) know and be able to discuss the fundamental concepts of the SM 2) know the fundamental experiments that allowed the development of the SM 3) to have understood the main methodologies of the experimental particle physics, both the technological and the statistical aspects.
Channel 1
SHAHRAM RAHATLOU
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Discrete symmetries and conservation laws
Static quark model of hadrons.
Flavor symmetry and quark model
Elastic and Inelastic scattering
Structure of nuclei and nucleons
Form factors
Deep inelastic scattering and structure functions
The quark-parton model
The e+e- scattering and EM interactions
Weak interactions: V-A interaction, GIM mechanism
Elements of quantum chromodynamics
Introduction to the Standard Model
CP violation and CKM mechanism
Prerequisites
A solid knowledge of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, analytical mechanics, and measurement theory acquired during the first years of a bachelor’s degree in Physics or in Astronomy and Astrophysics is essential.
Books
Francesco Terranova, A modern primer in particle and nuclear physics
D. Griffiths, Introduction to Elementary Particles , 2nd Ed.
Cahn and Goldhaber, The experimental foundation of Particle Physics, 2nd Ed.D.
D. H. Perkins, Introduction to High Energy Physics, 4th ed.
Frequency
Attendance at lectures is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended.
Exam mode
The final exam consists of an oral discussion on the topics covered in the course.
Evaluation will consider:
• Accuracy of the presented arguments;
• Clarity and rigor of the presentation;
• Numerical correctness, order of magnitude, and units of measurement;
• Analytical exposition of the theoretical concepts.
Students may choose one of the major experiments discussed during the course and present the experimental aspects of the measurement in detail. In addition, questions will be asked on topics covered in the syllabus, including calculations performed during lectures or assigned as exercises.
Lesson mode
The course is conducted through blackboard lectures (traditional or electronic board). The experimental techniques of the most notable experiments, which led to the discovery of hadron structure, quarks, and the development of the Standard Model of elementary particles, will be illustrated and discussed.
SHAHRAM RAHATLOU
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Discrete symmetries and conservation laws
Static quark model of hadrons.
Flavor symmetry and quark model
Elastic and Inelastic scattering
Structure of nuclei and nucleons
Form factors
Deep inelastic scattering and structure functions
The quark-parton model
The e+e- scattering and EM interactions
Weak interactions: V-A interaction, GIM mechanism
Elements of quantum chromodynamics
Introduction to the Standard Model
CP violation and CKM mechanism
Prerequisites
A solid knowledge of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, analytical mechanics, and measurement theory acquired during the first years of a bachelor’s degree in Physics or in Astronomy and Astrophysics is essential.
Books
Francesco Terranova, A modern primer in particle and nuclear physics
D. Griffiths, Introduction to Elementary Particles , 2nd Ed.
Cahn and Goldhaber, The experimental foundation of Particle Physics, 2nd Ed.D.
D. H. Perkins, Introduction to High Energy Physics, 4th ed.
Frequency
Attendance at lectures is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended.
Exam mode
The final exam consists of an oral discussion on the topics covered in the course.
Evaluation will consider:
• Accuracy of the presented arguments;
• Clarity and rigor of the presentation;
• Numerical correctness, order of magnitude, and units of measurement;
• Analytical exposition of the theoretical concepts.
Students may choose one of the major experiments discussed during the course and present the experimental aspects of the measurement in detail. In addition, questions will be asked on topics covered in the syllabus, including calculations performed during lectures or assigned as exercises.
Lesson mode
The course is conducted through blackboard lectures (traditional or electronic board). The experimental techniques of the most notable experiments, which led to the discovery of hadron structure, quarks, and the development of the Standard Model of elementary particles, will be illustrated and discussed.
- Lesson code10620434
- Academic year2025/2026
- CoursePhysics
- CurriculumFundamental Interactions: Theory and Experiment
- Year1st year
- Semester2nd semester
- SSDFIS/02
- CFU6