PHYSICS 165
Introduction to Particle Physics

Course Information

Physics 165: Introduction to Particle Physics. 4 Units.
Prof. Flip Tanedo (Physics 3053 / flip.tanedo@ucr.edu)

Canvas Page / See Agenda for homework and submission links

Office Hours

• Rob: Tuesdays 1pm & Thursdays 2pm, Phys 3028 (but feel free to track me down most reasonable times here)

• Adam: Wednesday 10am - Noon: Phys 3006S. If needed, here is my Zoom link

• Prof. Tanedo: by appointment

This is an introduction to elementary particle physics, the study of the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that dictate their interactions. We focus on building a theoretical understanding of the Standard Model of particle physics based on Feynman diagrams. We will cover kinematics, what it means to have a theory of particle physics, how we perform experiments in particle physics, and what the future holds. 

Pre-requisites: 

• Physics 156A/B (Quantum Mechanics)

Not having the formal preparation can be made up for with an enthusiasm to take time to dig into the material. If you have concerns about meeting the pre-requisites, please email Prof. Tanedo.

Why should I take this course? If you are curious about elementary particle physics and the type of questions being probed at the Large Hadron Collider, then this is the course to take. 

Textbook(s):

• Elementary Particle Physics: An Intuitive Introduction, Larkoski.
  This is the closest book to our course.

• QED: The Strange Theory of Light & Matter, Feynman
  This is a public-level book based on Feynman's Douglas Robb lectures. It may fit well as a non-technical supplement to first part of the course.

• Course Notes from 2017 by Adam Green

• Course Notes from 2020

Depending on your background, you may also be interested in one of the following sources. These are not organized the same way as our course, but they may be useful for referencing specific sections.

• Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics, Bettini.
  This book has a more experimental focus.

• The Standard Model in a Nutshell by Goldberg.
  A book with a slightly more theoretical focus.

• Concepts of Elementary Particle Physics, Peskin
  A book with a slightly more theoretical focus.

• Particle Physics: A Comprehensive Introduction, Seiden

• Introduction to Elementary Particles, Griffiths
  Slightly out of date, not because of the material, but because of the semi-historical approach.

• Particle Physics: A Los Alamos Primer

  • See: "Particle Physics & the Standard Model," Raby, Slansky, West

  • See: "Lecture Notes: from simple field theories to the Standard Model," Slansky

Previous Course Offerings

• Winter 2020: the 2020 lecture notes are a reasonable approximation to our course.

• Winter 2018