Subatomic Physics (PHYS*4130)

Course Information

Instruction

Office Hours

• Mondays, 3-5 pm in my office (MacN 219)
• Feel free to approach me before and after class to talk about physics
• Alternative arrangements can be made by appointment (gezerlis@uoguelph.ca)

Lectures

Course Materials

Textbook

There is no required textbook. I will be posting my lecture notes onto courselink at the end of every week.

Recommended texts

• B. Povh, K. Rith, C. Scholz, and F. Zetsche, Particles and nuclei: an introduction to the physical concepts (6th edition, Springer, 2008) – freely available online to all University of Guelph students on Scholars Portal Books.
• B. Martin, Nuclear and Particle Physics: An Introduction (2nd edition, Wiley, 2009)
• E. Henley and A. Garcia, Subatomic Physics (3rd edition, World Scientific, 2007)

Lecture Content

We will study two large subfields, namely particle and nuclear physics. While each of these is a separate topic in its own right, we will cover the essentials in both, going over the following subjects:

• The subatomic zoo: history and phenomenology
• Scattering and Feynman diagrams: the S-Matrix and quantum electrodynamics
• The strong interaction and quantum chromodynamics
• The weak interactions of quarks and neutrinos
• The two-nucleon system: nucleon-nucleon potentials and the deuteron
• Properties and structure of nuclei: phenomenology, liquid drop, shell model
• Nuclear decays and reactions: alpha, beta, gamma decay, fission, and fusion

Grading

If the final exam mark is greater than that of the midterm, the midterm will be dropped and the final exam mark will be weighted as 80% of the final mark.

Course Policies

Course policy regarding grading

Each homework assignment should be handed in on the due date before the lecture begins. Late assignments will not be accepted, unless special arrangements are made ahead of time.

Course policy regarding use of electronic devices and recording of lectures

Electronic recording of classes is expressly forbidden without consent of the instructor. When recordings are permitted they are solely for the use of the authorized student and may not be reproduced, or transmitted to others, without the express written consent of the instructor.

Academic Consideration

When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of illness or compassionate reasons, please advise the course instructor in writing, with your name, id#, and e-mail contact. See the academic calendar for information on regulations and procedures for Academic Consideration.

Academic Misconduct

The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community, faculty, staff, and students to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring.

University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection. Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.

The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the Undergraduate Calendar.

Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible.

For more information, contact CSD at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email sas@uoguelph.ca or see the accessibility website.

Course Evaluation Information

Please refer to the Course and Instructor Evaluation Website.

Drop date

The last date to drop one-semester courses, without academic penalty, is March 10, 2017. For regulations and procedures for Dropping Courses, see the Academic Calendar.