Particle Physics and Cosmology

Contents

1. The Standard Model
2. Conservation Laws and Symmetries
3. Feynman Diagrams
4. The Higgs Mechanism
5. Group Theory in Particle Physics
6. Running Coupling Constants
7. Big Bang Cosmology
8. Neutrino Physics
9. Beyond the Standard Model
10. Problem Set
11. Advanced Topics in Particle Physics
12. Advanced Topics in Cosmology
13. Precision Tests of the Standard Model

Overview

University-level particle physics and cosmology notes covering the Standard Model, Feynman diagrams, and cosmology.

Topics Covered

• Standard Model: Quarks, leptons, gauge bosons, Higgs mechanism
• Feynman Diagrams: Rules, calculations, cross sections, decay rates
• Symmetries: Conservation laws, gauge invariance, spontaneous symmetry breaking
• Cosmology: Big bang, inflation, dark matter, dark energy

Prerequisites

• Quantum mechanics (operators, perturbation theory)
• Electromagnetism (Maxwell”s equations, gauge invariance)
• Special relativity (four-vectors, Lorentz transformations)
• Statistical mechanics (thermal physics, thermodynamics)

How to Use These Notes

Start with the Standard Model to understand the foundations, then progress to Feynman diagrams and cosmology. Each section includes worked examples and practice problems.

Navigation

Use the sidebar to browse topics, or start with the introductory pages linked from the sidebar.

Additional Resources

Each section includes:

• Detailed explanations of key concepts
• Worked examples with step-by-step solutions
• Practice problems with answers
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Connections to other areas of physics

Study Tips

1. Master the Standard Model: Understand the particles and their interactions
2. Practise Feynman diagrams: Learn the rules and draw many diagrams
3. Learn symmetries: Understand the connection between symmetries and conservation laws
4. Follow experiments: Keep up with recent discoveries at CERN and other facilities
5. Connect to cosmology: Relate particle physics to the early universe