Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Nuclear and Particle Physics
Code PHYS204
Coordinator Professor A Mehta
Physics
Mehta@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2023-24 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To introduce Rutherford and related scattering; to introduce nuclear size, mass and decay modes; to provide some applications and examples of nuclear physics; to introduce particle physics, including interactions, reactions and decay; to show some recent experimental discoveries; to introduce relativistic 4-vectors for applications to collision problems.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) A basic understanding of Rutherford, electron on neutron scattering.

(LO2) An understanding of the basic principles that determine nuclear size, mass and decay modes.

(LO3) The knowledge of examples and applications of nuclear physics.

(LO4) An understanding of the basic properties of particles and their interactions

(LO5) An understanding of conservation laws and their role in particle decays and reactions

(LO6) A basic understanding of relativistic 4-vectors

(LO7) A basic understanding of drawing Feynman diagrams. Knowledge of some particle physics results: neutrino physics, measurement of top quark and W masses, structure of the proton

(LO8) Knowledge of particle physics results: Large hadron collider, cosmic microwave background, dark matter, super-symmetry

Syllabus
 

Nuclear Physics:-
Size and Shape of Nuclei
Rutherford scattering Electron+neutron scattering
Nuclear size
Nuclear Masses
Masses of nuclei
Binding energy
Liquid drop model
Semi-empirical mass formula
Nuclear Decays Alpha, beta and gamma decays
Nuclear Stability
Other decays
Nuclear Processes and Applications
Dating Stellar evolution
Nuclear power stations

Particle Physics:-
Introduction
Particle properties
Leptons
Quarks and hadrons
Colour Forces and interactions
Particle Decays and Reactions
Particle widths
Conservation laws,
Relativistic Mechanics
Principle of invariance
Introduction to 4-vectors
Relativistic Collisions
Recent Discoveries in Particle Physics
Feynman Diagrams
Neutrino masses and oscillations
Discovery of the top quark
Measurement of the top and W masses
Structure of the proton
Search for Higgs, d ark matter and super-symmetry

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 –Lectures (1 x 2hr per week).
Description: Lectures in person.

Teaching Method 2 –Workshops (1 x 2hr per week).
Description: Problem classes in person.

Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     24

     24

 48
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 102
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
In person, closed book, time-controlled examination - There is a resit opportunity.  0    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Problem Classes - first half of the semester. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  0    15       
Problem Classes - second half of the semester. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  0    15       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.