Physics 441
A Topical Introduction
to Nuclear and Particle Physics
Spring 2010
Class Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 PM-12:15 noon
Room: 1219
Instructor: L. A. Orozco, with invited lectures from other members of the 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%
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 |
|
|
General
Introduction |
|
|
26-Jan |
|
Introduction
to Symmetries |
|
2-Feb |
|
Introduction
to Nuclear Physics |
|
9-Feb |
|
Introduction
to Particle Physics |
|
|
Setting
the Stage for Parity Violation |
|
|
16-Feb |
|
Nuclei,
radioactivity, the neutron |
|
23-Feb |
|
Muons, pions, and the neutrino |
2-Mar |
|
Beta
decay from 1957 to present |
|
9-Mar |
|
Scattering:
|
|
16-Mar |
|
SPRING
BREAK -- NO CLASS |
|
|
The
Weak Interaction as a Tool |
|
|
23-Mar |
|
Origin of
the Elements |
|
30-Mar |
|
Neutron
beta decay |
|
6-Apr |
|
The weak
interaction in nuclei |
|
13-Apr |
|
Electron
and Neutrino Scattering |
|
20-Apr |
|
Neutrinos,
Oscillations, CP violation |
|
27-Apr |
|
W,Z
decays, the Standard Model |
|
4-May |
|
ORAL
PRESENTATIONS |
|
11-May |
(Tues
only) |
ORAL
PRESENTATIONS |