Winter 2027
Introduction to Particle Physics

J.J. Thomson’s discovery of the electron in 1897 upended the contemporary scientific consensus that atoms were the smallest indivisible units of matter, and it kickstarted an entirely new branch of physics, known today as “particle physics”.

Since Thomson’s time, physicists have developed the “Standard Model” of particle physics, a theoretical framework describing the elementary particles comprising our universe. This model unites our understanding of the electromagnetic, weak nuclear, and strong nuclear interactions, and, as of 2012, with the experimental observation of the Higgs boson, all 17 elementary particles described by the Standard Model have been experimentally verified.

In this course, we will examine the Standard Model in detail and discuss the experiments verifying the 17 elementary particles. Understanding particle physics necessarily involves a discussion of the theory of special relativity and an overview of relevant quantum concepts, which we will review at the beginning of the course. We will go on to discuss the conservation laws and symmetries that govern particle interactions, decay rates, and scattering cross-sections. We will also examine “Feynman diagrams”, precise diagrammatic representations of the complicated integrals associated with particle interactions. The experimental verification of the Higgs boson in 2012 was by no means the end of particle physics, and we will wrap up the course by discussing new frontiers in particle physics.

You will complete problem sets and a research review paper for this course, and for those interested, I will guide you through making your own cloud chamber for at-home detection of “cosmic ray” muons, the high-speed particles constantly zipping through our atmosphere.

Knowledge of one-dimensional differential and integral calculus is required for this course.

This class will meet virtually on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:00 PM Pacific time and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 PM Pacific time from January 6 to March 11, 2027.

Applications for Winter 2027 are due November 22, 2026. After that, we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis while spots remain. Click here to apply!