Physics 441
51 years of the Weak Interaction
A Topical Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
Spring 2008
Class Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:45 AM
Room: 3301 Physics Building
Instructors: E. Beise, C. Hall and L. Orozco, Dept of Physics
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to particle and nuclear physics, with a topical emphasis on the impact of the Weak Interaction and the discovery of Parity Violation. Physics 401 (or 420) and 411 are a prerequisite for the course. Physics 402, or permission by one of the instructors, is a co-requisite.
Textbook: There will be no required textbook, but the following books will be used regularly as references.
Additional References:
“Subatomic Physics”, by E. Henley and A. Garcia (recommended)
“The Physics of Nuclei and Particles”, R. Dunlap
“The Experimental Foundations of Particle Physics” by R.N. Cahn and G. Goldhaber
“Introduction to High Energy Physics”, D.H. Perkins
“Introductory Nuclear Physics”, P.E. HOdgson, E. Gadioloi and E. Gadioli-Erba
Course Objectives and expected outcomes:
The purpose of this course is to expose students to aspects of modern research in particle and nuclear physics, starting from the historical perspective of the discovery of parity violation and the weak interaction as a course theme – it is not to be a complete survey of either field, but will instead cover selected topics and methods. The format will be lecture-based, with some homework and practice in reading, evaluating and writing scientific papers, and emphasis on design of precision measurements and null tests.
Grading Scheme:
Homework: 30%
Writing assignments and oral presentations: 60%
Class participation: 10%
This is a new course, and the exact schedule will likely change as the course develops. Below is a listing of the topics that we plan to include, in approximate order.
|
Week of |
|
Topic |
Lecturer |
|
|
General Introduction |
|
|
|
29-Jan |
|
Introduction to Symmetries |
Orozco |
|
5-Feb |
|
Introduction to Nuclear Physics |
Beise |
|
12-Feb |
|
Introduction to Particle Physics |
Hall |
|
|
Setting the Stage for Parity Violation |
|
|
|
19-Feb |
|
Nuclei, radioactivity, the neutron |
Beise |
|
26-Feb |
|
Muons, pions, and the neutrino |
Hall |
|
4-Mar |
|
Beta decay from 1957 to present |
Orozco |
|
11-Mar |
|
Scattering: Rutherford to SLAC |
Beise |
|
17-Mar |
|
SPRING BREAK -- NO CLASS |
|
|
|
The Weak Interaction as a Tool |
|
|
|
25-Mar |
|
Origin of the Elements |
Beise/Hall |
|
1-Apr |
|
Neutron beta decay |
Orozco/Beise |
|
7-Apr |
|
The weak interaction in nuclei |
Orozco/Beise |
|
14-Apr |
|
Electron and Neutrino Scattering |
Beise |
|
21-Apr |
|
Neutrinos, Oscillations, CP violation |
Hall |
|
28-Apr |
|
W,Z decays, the Standard Model |
Hall |
|
5-May |
|
ORAL PRESENTATIONS |
|