PX4510: STRUCTURE OF MATTER AND THE UNIVERSE (2014-2015)

Course content reflects the learning outcomes:

• Lagrangian description of fields, Concepts in group theory, definition of a group, irreducible representations, theory of (quantum mechanical) time independent and time dependent perturbation theory.
• Semi-quantitative explanation of the ideas behind general relativity.
• The 3 types of basic particle interactions: strong, weak and electromagnetic (derivations of using perturbation theory and Lagrangian densities).
• The roles of conservation laws in particle interactions and the idea of gauge invariance (symmetry properties of I-space).
• The current status of the Standard Model SU(2), SU(3).
• The main ideas behind modern theories of everything, string theory and supersymmetry.
• The formation and evolution of the Universe.
• The formation and evolution of Galaxies.
• The formation evolution and structure of stars.
• The various evolutionary possibilities for stars of different mass.
• The formation and types of planets and planetary systems.

The first part of the course covers the foundations of theoretical physics: Lagrangians, perturbation theory and group theory. Lagrangians are then used to understand classical field theory and solve the Klein Gordon and Dirac equations. The gravitational field is then explained in terms of curved spacetime. Quantum field theories (such as Quantum electrodynamics) are then examined in terms of exchange particles using perturbation theory. Gauge theories, the idea of an internal space and isospin are then introduced together with the classification of particles and exchange particles according to their symmetries. Yangs Mills SU(2) theory and the concept of quarks and Gell-Mann SU(3) theory is used to explain the families of baryons and mesons. Finally, string field theories are introduced. The second half of the course covers astrophysics, addressing the topics of the evolution of the universe, galaxies, observed properties of stars, star formation and evolution and planet formation.

This course alternates with PX4516.  This course will not run in 2014-2015.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View PX4510 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written paper (70%) and in-course assessment (30%) - two class tests. Resit: As above with the continuous assessment carried forward.

Only the marks obtained on the first attempt can be used for Honours classification.

Formative assessment will be by means of dialogue with the lecturer and particularly in the problem classes.

Feedback will be immediate during the problem classes and within two weeks (usually one) for the summative class tests.

None.