Relativity and particle physics

In this unit, you will explore fundamental concepts in particle physics as a range of specialised topics. Core concepts include relativistic kinematics, decay rates, and scattering cross sections, fundamental particles and forces in the Standard Model of Particle Physics, symmetries and conservation laws, and perturbation theory. Specific advanced topics include: the relativistic description of fermions and its consequences, including antimatter; the discoveries of leptons and quarks; Quantum Electrodynamics (QED); Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), including QCD confinement with mesons and baryons; the Weak Force; Electroweak Unification; and the Higgs Mechanism; Feynman Diagrams; and “Flavour Physics", including quark mixing and neutrino oscillations. The descriptions of the experimental and computational techniques used in particle physics are woven throughout the unit.