Outline

Overview

Our current understanding of the basic building blocks of matter and interactions between them is called the Standard Model of Particle Physics (SM). This most fundamental description of Nature incorporates three of the four basic interactions which govern how the Universe works, the electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions. This unit investigates the mathematical underpinnings of the SM, a quantum field theory constructed upon fundamental notions of symmetry including Lorentz and local gauge invariance. It also explores the notion of spontaneous symmetry breaking, the Higgs field and the way that fundamental particles acquire mass. The interplay between theory and experiment, which has driven the SM's development, is highlighted. Finally, limitations of the model and possible extensions which could overcome them are discussed. You will learn how the SM is constructed based on symmetry principles, quantum fields and their space-time derivatives; how to derive equations of motion for the fields using the Action Principle; and how predictions for physical observables such as cross sections and decay rates can be calculated starting from the SM Lagrangian density. By studying examples of both recent and historically significant measurements confirming or challenging the SM, you will gain experience in reading and interpreting the scientific literature. Through this unit you will develop an appreciation of humankind's most contemporary and successful attempt to describe Nature in terms of fundamental laws.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	An average of at least 65 in 144 cp of units including (PHYS3X34 or PHYS3X42 or PHYS3X43 or PHYS3X44)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	A major in physics including third-year quantum physics and third-year particle physics
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Bruce Yabsley, bruce.yabsley@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kevin Varvell, kevin.varvell@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Exam Exam	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 Assignment	15%	Week 04 Due date: 25 Aug 2023 at 23:59	Worked solutions to problems.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 Assignment.	15%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Sep 2023 at 23:59	Worked solutions to problems.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 3 Assignment	15%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2023 at 23:59	Worked solutions and discussion.
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: This assignment will require you to apply information from lectures and your reading to solve conceptual and worked quantitative problems.
Assignment 2: This assignment will require you to apply information from lectures and your reading to solve conceptual and worked quantitative problems.
Assignment 3: This assignment will require you to apply information from lectures and your reading to solve conceptual and worked quantitative problems, and to interpret work from the literature.
Final exam: This exam will cover all material in the unit. The exam will have a mixture of short-answer questions and worked problems.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result Name	Mark Range	Description
High Distinction	85-100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75-84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65-74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50-64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0-49	When you dont meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Overview: What the Standard Model is trying to describe, what its general elements are.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Lagrangians, Symmetries, Groups: Review of special relativity, Lagrangian density and principle of least action, Klein-Gordon equation, particles and fields, Noether's Theorem and symmetries, groups, specifically U(1), SU(2), SU(3), Lorentz, and Poincaré. (Weeks 1 - 2)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Gauge Invariance, Quantum Electrodynamics: Gauge theory, Maxwell's equations, Dirac equation, solutions of the Dirac equation (Weeks 2 - 3)	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	Interactions: interactions, perturbation expansion, matrix elements, phase space, Feynman rules, calculations. (Weeks 3 - 4)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Quantum Chromodynamics: Interactions between quarks and gluons, colour, asymptotic freedom and confinement, lattice gauge theory. (Weeks 4 - 5)	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 05	Glashow-Weinberg-Salam Theory: Spontaneous symmetry breaking, Higgs Mechanism and gauge boson masses, electroweak unification, weak isospin and weak hypercharge, fermion mass generation. (Weeks 5 - 6)	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 07	CP Violation: Discrete symmetries P, C, T, how CP violation arises in the Standard Model, applications to meson systems. (Week 7)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Neutrino Masses and Mixing: Massive and massless particles, Dirac and Majorana mass, neutrino properties, neutrino mass and oscillations. (Week 8)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Experimental confirmation of the Standard Model: How experiments are conducted. Examples of measurements which provide evidence for the Standard Model. Interplay of theory and experiment. (Week 9)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Particle Physics and Cosmology: The relationship between particle physics and cosmology. The early universe and evolution of the universe. Dark matter. (Week 10)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Beyond the Standard Model: Limitations of the Standard Model. Survey of parameters. Hierarchy problems. Overview of proposed extensions, e.g. Grand Unified Theories, Supersymmetry. (Week 10)	Lecture (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

A set of course notes will be provided. Examples of suitable reference texts (by no means exhaustive):

Dave Goldberg, The Standard Model in a Nutshell, (Princeton University Press 2017).
W. N. Cottingham and D.A. Greenwood, An Introduction to The Standard Model of Particle Physics (Cambridge 1998).
David Griffiths, Introduction to Elementary Particles (2nd, Revised Edition, Wiley 2008).
Mark Thomson, Modern Particle Physics, (Cambridge University Press, 2013).
A. Zee, Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell (Princeton University Press 2003)
Tom Lancaster and Stephen J. Blundell, Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur, (Oxford University Press 2014).

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Identify knowledge from the undergraduate syllabus, specifically relating to quantum mechanics and special relativity.
LO2. Explain the key concepts governing the mathematical structure and symmetries underpinning the Standard Model.
LO3. Outline the strengths and limitations of the Standard Model in its ability to predict the properties of the observed particles and interactions of Nature, as determined by experiment.
LO4. Use knowledge and understanding of the Standard Model to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in particle physics.
LO5. Read and interpret a research paper in particle physics in terms of how it advances the Standard Model description of Nature.
LO6. Demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

EQUITY, ACCESS AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The School of Physics recognises that biases, bullying and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has three Equity Officers as a point of contact for students who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, discriminated against, bullied or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability
Services: https://sydney.edu.au/study/academic-support/disability-support.html who can help arrange support.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHYS4124: Physics of the Standard Model

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect