Selected topics in nuclear and particle physics
Summary
This course presents the physical principles and the recent research developments on three topics of particle and nuclear physics: the physics of neutrinos, dark matter, and plasmas of quarks and gluons. An emphasis is given on experimental aspects in these three research fields.
Content
Neutrino physics:
- Neutrino mass measurements, beta and double-beta decay experiments.
- Neutrino mass generation mechanism, Majorana and Dirac particles.
- Neutrino oscillations, MNS matrix.
- Cosmic neutrinos : origin, energy spectrum and detection.
Dark matter:
- Evidence for dark matter from astronomical and cosmological data.
- Relic particles of the "Big bang". Candidates for dark matter, and link with particle physics beyond the Standard Model.
- Direct and indirect searches for dark matter.
Quark gluon plasma (QGP):
- Plasma of quarks and gluons: properties, plasma signatures, production in the collisions of heavy ions.
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
Nuclear and particle physics I and II (PHYS-311, PHYS-312)
Recommended courses
Quantum physics I and II (PHYS-313, PHYS-314), Particle physics I (PHYS-415)
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Interpret fundamental results in neutrino, dark matter, and quark and gluon plasma physics
- Identify the physical observables in these three fields of research
- Discuss the experimental principles in these fields
- Assess / Evaluate the experimental methods and results presented in scientific publications
- Estimate the experimental sensitivity of experiments
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra and exercises in the classroom
Assessment methods
oral exam (100%)
Supervision
| Office hours | No |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Oral (summer session)
- Subject examined: Selected topics in nuclear and particle physics
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Oral (summer session)
- Subject examined: Selected topics in nuclear and particle physics
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Oral (summer session)
- Subject examined: Selected topics in nuclear and particle physics
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Oral (summer session)
- Subject examined: Selected topics in nuclear and particle physics
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks