Physics 221A Fall 2022

Physics 221A Fall 2023

Introduction to Particle Physics and Instrumentation I
University of California at Santa Cruz

Tu-Th 9:50 - 11:25 am

Instructor: Bruce Schumm

Office: 329 Natural Sciences II Phone: (831) 459-3034 Email: baschumm@ucsc.edu

Office Hours:

By Appointment Field theory is not required for this first quarter of topical particle physics. We'll discuss continuous and discreet symmetries, and their implications in constraining physical processes. We'll go on to talk about the static quark model, necessitating the introduction of Lie groups. After that, it's on to the interactions between high-energy radiation and matter, which leads naturally to a discussion of nuclear detection techniques and associated instrumentation. After that it's on to gamma-ray astrophysics, and finally an introduction to the basics of hadronic scattering, time permitting. Registered students can look forward to three written homework assignments and a computer project.

Syllabus