Introduction to Subatomic Physics R 1100-3Ind02
Program:
1. Historical introduction, overview of great discoveries in the last 120 years.
2. Methods and tools of subatomic physics, accelerators, interaction of radiation with matter, detectors.
3. Atomic nucleus and its properties.
4. Nuclear models: liquid drop, Fermi and shell model.
5. Radioactivity.
6. Fundamental particles and interactions.
7. Elementary processes and Feynman diagrams.
8. C, P, T symmetries.
9. Neutrino physics.
The exercises besides exemplifying the lectures through problem solving, will have the additional aim of discussing some of the experimental aspects of discussed material.
Course coordinators
Term 2026Z: | Term 2025Z: |
Mode
Learning outcomes
The student knows and understands the fundamentals of nuclear physics, elementary particles, and fundamental interactions. This knowledge includes the interaction of ionizing radiation with matter, the structure and principles of operation of particle accelerators and radiation detectors, types of radioactive decay and the laws governing them, basic properties of atomic nuclei, and elements of the Standard Model.
The student is able to apply relativistic kinematics to solve problems in the field of nuclear reactions and particle production. The student can predict basic properties of atomic nuclei based on the liquid-drop model and the independent-particle model. The student is able to draw and qualitatively interpret Feynman diagrams for simple elementary processes at lowest order.
The student is ready to assess the impact of ionizing radiation on the environment, as well as to evaluate the role of subatomic physics phenomena in applications to energy production and medicine. The student is prepared to further deepen his/her knowledge in the field of nuclear and particle physics at subsequent stages of study.
Assessment criteria
Problem-solving classes are mandatory.
During the semester, there will be two tests consisting of problem-solving tasks. A condition for passing the classes is obtaining at least half of the total possible points from both tests combined.
The exam will consist of two sections: a test and problem-solving tasks.
The condition for passing the exam is obtaining at least half of the points in each section.
The exam may be retaken during the retake session.
The final grade will consist of 15% for each of the two midterm tests, 20% for the problem-solving section of the final exam, and 50% for the test section of the final exam.
Practical placement
not applicable
Bibliography
1. E.M. Henley, A. Garcia, "Subatomic Physics", World Scientific, 2007.
2. D. Griffiths, "Introduction to Elementary Particles", Wiley-VCH, 2008.
3. K. Krane, "Introductory Nuclear Physics", Wiley&Sons, 1998
4. Donald H. Perkins "Wstęp do fizyki wysokich energii", PWN, 2004, oraz "Particle Astrophysics", OUP, 2003
5. Ewa Skrzypczak i Zygmunt Szefliński "Fizyka jądra atomowego i cząstek elementarnych", PWN, 1995
6. B. Povh, K. Rith, C. Scholtz, F. Zetschke, M. Lavelle "Particles and Nuclei- an Introduction to the Physical Concepts", Springer Verlag, 3rd edition
7. Tablice cząstek elementarnych i bardzo użyteczne podsumowanie własności detektorów:
Particle Data Group http://pdg.web.cern.ch/pdg/
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes: