Physics: Particle Physics, Cosmology and Accelerators

This course provides an overview of important theories and experiments in particle physics. You will learn how particle physics has developed from its origins in quantum mechanics into the diverse and expansive field it is today. You will explore all aspects of the Standard Model of particle physics—our current best theory—as well as its shortcomings and why we anticipate its eventual revision. You will learn why many fundamental particles cannot be directly observed. Quarks are confined within composite particles, and neutrinos, often called ghost particles, constantly evade detection.

We will also explore how quantum particles mix with each other, meaning that they continuously swap types, which complicates their detection.

Additionally, you will discover how our understanding of particle physics is both influenced by, and helps shape, our knowledge of the universe at large scales.

The course highlights how fundamental physics research contributes to technological advancements and societal benefits, including particle accelerator technologies and their applications.

Teaching involves lectures complemented by theoretical exercises, computer-based activities, and laboratory work. You will conduct experiments to collect and analyze your own data, and you will also analyze real data from CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC).Additionally, we will visit a major experimental research facility.

Assessment includes written home assignments and a final oral examination.

Prerequisites

Admission to the course requires general entry requirements, 22.5 credits in physics including knowledge corresponding to: FYSB22 Basic Quantum Mechanics, 7.5 credits (at least followed) FYSB23 Basic statistical Physics and quantum statistics, 7.5 credits (at least followed), and FYSB24 Atomic and Molecular Physics, 7.5 credits (at least followed), and 45 credits in mathematics (maximum one of the courses incomplete, but at least followed), including knowledge corresponding to: MATA21 Analysis in One Variable, 15 credits, MATA22 Linear Algebra 1, 7.5 credits, NUMA01 Computational Programming with Python, 7.5 credits, MATB21 Analysis in Several Variables 1, 7.5 credits and MATB22 Linear Algebra 2, 7.5 credits as well as either 37.5 credits in physics (and if any of the courses FYSB22-24 is completed, a maximum of one of these courses may be incomplete, but at least followed), including knowledge corresponding to: FYSA12 Introduction to University Physics, with Mechanics and Electricity, 15 credits FYSA13 Introduction to University Physics, with Optics, Waves and Quantum Physics, 7.5 credits FYSA14 Introduction to University Physics, with Thermodynamics, Climate and Experimental Methodology, 7.5 credits and FYSB21 Mathematical Methods for Vibrations, Waves and Diffusion, 7.5 credits or an additional 37.5 credits in mathematics (and if all 45 credits of mathematics above are completed, a maximum of one of these courses can be unfinished, but at least followed), including knowledge corresponding to: MATB23 Analysis in Several Variables 2, 7.5 credits and MATB24 Linear Analysis, 7.5 credits. Students who have obtained the corresponding knowledge by other means may also be admitted to the course.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 20 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 10 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 70 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 21,250
First payment: SEK 21,250

Convert currency – xe.com

Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.