Particle Physics - BMETE15MF72

Course Information

Semester 2026/27/1 • Language: English
Lectures

Time: Tuesdays, 8:15 – 10:00 (2 × 45 min)

Room: F3M01

First Lecture: 8th September

Lecturer: Gábor Takács

Notice: No lecture on 22nd September.
Replacement: 28th September, 16:15 – 18:00.
Exercise Classes (7 Occasions)

Time: Mondays, 16:15 – 18:00 (Starts 2nd week)

Tutor: Bence Fitos

Dates:

  • 14th Sep
  • 5th, 19th Oct
  • 2nd, 16th, 30th Nov
  • 7th Dec
Topics Covered
  1. Overview of scales in Nature. Special relativity. Classification of particles.
  2. Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations.
  3. Introduction to weak interactions. Beta decay, neutrino. Parity and CP violation. CPT symmetry.
  4. Introduction to strong interactions. Isospin, strangeness. SU(3) quark model.
  5. Relativistic field theory, canonical formalism, Noether theorem.
  6. Basic principles of quantum field theory. Feynman rules.
  7. Weak interactions: charged currents, FCNC and GIM mechanism. Flavour mixing. Neutrino oscillations.
  8. Non-Abelian gauge theories.
  9. Fundamentals of quantum chromodynamics.
  10. Spontaneous symmetry breaking, Goldstone theorem. Higgs mechanism.
  11. Electroweak unification. The Standard Model. The Higgs boson.
  12. Overview of the latest developments and open problems in particle physics.
Necessary Background
  • Advanced mechanics BMETEEFBsFEHME-00
  • Quantum mechanics BMETEEFBsFKVME-00
Recommended Background
  • Advanced quantum mechanics BMETEEFBsFEHKM-00
  • Group theory BMETE11AF40
Lecture Notes

In preparation: a preliminary version is available (File size: approx. 76 MB).

Found an error? Submit corrections via the Error Report Form.

Examination Requirements & Grading
  • Course Signature: Attendance is mandatory for at least 70% of exercise classes (at least 5 out of 7 occasions).
  • Written Test (ZH): Held at the end of the semester on exercise class topics.
    • Retake available (pótZH).
    • The supplementary test (ppZH) is available to help obtain the pass mark if needed. Passing is required to obtain the course signature.
  • Final Exam (Oral): Admittance requires a course signature. Covers lecture material; consists of one topic chosen randomly from the List of Exam Topics and short questions. Preparation time: 45 minutes.
  • Final Grade: 50% written test + 50% oral exam.