Elementary Particle Physics
Table of contents
- Compulsory Modules
- Elective Modules
- Continuing from a BSc 120 major in Physics
- Course content of core elective and elective modules
- PHY451 Elementary Particle Physics
- PHY452 Elementary Particle Theory
- PHY551 Quantum Field Theory
- PHY461 Experimental methods in Particle Physics
- PHY463 Research Internship
- PHY552 Quantum field theory II
- PHY568 Flavour Physics
- Study guide
Coordinator: Prof. T. Gehrmann
This master’s program offers an advanced education in theoretical and experimental Particle Physics. Faculty members at the ETH and the UZH jointly offer courses in this program. After introductory lectures, practice sessions and labs, students begin their master’s thesis that should take 9 months.
The following research groups offer master theses:
Experiment: Groups Baudis, Canelli, Kilminster, and Serra
Theory: Groups Crivellin, Gehrmann, Grazzini, Isidori, Pozzorini and Signer
Compulsory Modules
Research Seminar
Students are required to regularly attend a research seminar during their second and third semester (“Current work in astrophysics and particle physics” or “theoretical particle physics”).
Elective Modules
The remaining credits needed to fulfill the requirement of 90 credit points must be earned in elective modules. Students can also choose additional courses amongst the core elective listing. Every year, specialized lectures are offered on topics of current research. Credits earned in intensive courses for graduate education will also be counted.
Examples of elective modules
Continuing from a BSc 120 major in Physics
Compulsory modules: Nuclear and Particle Physics I (PHY211) and Quantum Mechanics I (PHY331)
it is advised to attend these modules already during the BSc studies
In addition to these requirements, all students must discuss the courses they intend to complete with their master thesis advisor, who may set additional requirements.
Course content of core elective and elective modules
PHY451 Elementary Particle Physics
(will be held jointly by theoreticians and experimentalists)
- Relativistic kinematics
- Cross sections and phase space
- Elements in quantum electrodynamics
- Unitary symmetries and QCD
- Electroweak interactions
- Physics of flavours
- Limits of the standard model (GUT and SUSY, etc.)
PHY452 Elementary Particle Theory
- Relativistic quantum mechanics and field quantization
- Gauge theories
- Quantum Chromodynamics
- Theory of Electroweak Interactions
- Applications to specific particle reactions
PHY551 Quantum Field Theory
-
Relativistic wave functions
Quantification of free fields
Re-normalization
Perturbation theory
PHY461 Experimental methods in Particle Physics
- Physics and structure of particle accelerators
- Foundations and concepts in particle detectors
- Trace and vortex detectors, calorimetry, particle identification
- Special applications such as Cerenkov detectors, air showers, direct detection of dark matter, emulsions
- Simulations methods, selection electronics, trigger and data measurement
- Examples and key experiments
PHY463 Research Internship
This internship lasts for 4 to 6 weeks, during which students construct, conduct and evaluate an experiment using a particle radiation at CERN or PSI or some other research lab. For instance, you might do an internship at PSI, where you work in a group for three weeks planning and constructing an experiment that uses the PSI’s secondary laser and conducting it jointly during shifts. Then you must evaluate your data and complete a report.
PHY552 Quantum field theory II
-
Advanced topics such as:
Re-normalization groups
Abel and non-Abel Eich theories
Standard model, Higgs mechanism
Path integrals
PHY568 Flavour Physics
- B-Penomenology
Neutrino masses and oscillations
CP violation in B0s
Study guide
The Guide to Physics Studies (PDF, 504 KB) provides comprehensive information about the Bachelor's and Master's programs.