PHS3302 Relativity and particle physics
Faculty of Science
PHS3302 Relativity and particle physics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 35%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Overview
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.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Problem Solving ActivitiesExercise40%
- QuizzesQuiz / Test25%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination35%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe and perform calculations associated with fundamental concepts in particle physics.
- 2
Apply numerical modelling to solve problems in particle physics.
- 3
Demonstrate awareness of scientific computing methods and visualization.
- 4
Demonstrate an ability to work in teams and to communicate and discuss physics concepts.
- 5
Find solutions to new problems in particle physics on the basis of general principles, and evaluate the appropriateness of their proposed models or solutions.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions12 hours
- Workshops48 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (approximately 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer-directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
In workshops, you will engage in discussion of concepts in peers.
In workshops and at home, you will solve problems individually and collaboratively. Some problems will be using software such as Mathematica or Python.
Lecture-style expositions of the assigned reading delivered as video recordings.
Learning resources
Required resources
Modern Particle Physics, by Mark Thomson
Recommended resources
Particle Physics, by Martin and Shaw (4th ed, 2017).
Introduction to Elementary Particles, by David Griffiths (2nd Ed, 2008).
Technology resources
You will be contacted with important information by email via the unit Moodle site. Assignments and pre-lecture quizzes are handed in via Moodle. You are expected to confirm your in-semester assessment marks before the end of the examination period by viewing the Grader report for the unit.
Where it fits
PHS3302 is part of 5 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Tom Hadavizadeh
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Tom Hadavizadeh
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHS3302?
PHS3302 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is PHS3302 offered?
In 2026, PHS3302 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does PHS3302 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 35% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include PHS3302?
PHS3302 is part of Astrophysics and Physics.