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Physics beyond the standard model
Titulaire(s) du cours
Thomas HAMBYE (Coordonnateur) et Michel TYTGATCrédits ECTS
5
Langue(s) d'enseignement
anglais
Contenu du cours
Course (in English) given by T. Hambye (2025-2026,2027-2028,...) and M. Tytgat (2026-2027,2028-2029,...) for the theory part (9 weeks) and by S. Lowette for the experimental part (3 weeks).
It is given at ULB as part of the 2nd year master program of ULB, VUB, UG and UA.
The spectrum of researches that have been undertaken in the BSM field is huge and extremely broad. In this course we will cover a few selected topics that include:
- a recap of the Standard Model
- the origin of the neutrino masses (unique laboratory evidence we have as of today for BSM physics)
- Low energy effective field theories (model independent approach to BSM physics)
- Running coupling constants and implications for BSM physics
- Hierarchy problems
- Grand Unified Theories (SU(5) and shortly SO(10))
- Quantum anomalies and implications for BSM physics
- Strong CP problem
- experimental survey on BSM physics, related to the above and beyond, including searches for BSM physics at LHC
Objectifs (et/ou acquis d'apprentissages spécifiques)
To grasp the meaning of effective field theories and renormalizability; to clarify the underlying structure of the Standard Model; to appreciate its shortcomings and understand why the community is looking for physics beyond the Standard Model; to develop skills in QFT, the use of symmetries in physics and experimental analysis.
Pré-requis et Co-requis
Connaissances et compétences pré-requises ou co-requises
It is very strongly recommended to have taken the following courses (or equivalent):
PHYS F 410 : théorie quantique des champs I
PHYS F 422 : Modèle Standard des interactions fondamentales
Some topics will be easier to grasp if you have taken or are taking in parallel the followings (or equivalents)
PHYS F 440 : théorie quantique des champs II
PHYS F 415 : Cosmologie
PHYS F 485 : Representation of groups and applications to physics
For experimental aspects, the relevant courses are (or equivalents)
PHYS F 416 : Physique des particules
Cours co-requis
Méthodes d'enseignement et activités d'apprentissages
2.5 hours of lectures (black board and/or slides); 1.5 hours of exercices, given on Wednesdays, 2-6 pm.
There will be no specific homework beyond the exercises.
Références, bibliographie et lectures recommandées
An Introduction To Quantum Field Theory by Michael E. Peskin and Daniel V. Schroeder for basics of QFT
Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model by Matthew D. Schwartz for some specific aspects of QFT
Gauge Theory of Elementary Particle Physics by Ta-Pei Cheng and Ling-Fong Li for more BSM aspects
Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell by A. Zee for a more broad brush theoretical perspective.
Supplementary material will be provided if necessary
Autres renseignements
Informations complémentaires
Beware : due to distinct university agendas, the course will start on Wednesday September 24th at 2 pm (2025-2026), NO.6.210. The first lessons will be theoretical.
Contacts
thomas.hambye@ulb.be
michel.tytgat@ulb.be
steven.lowette@vub.be
Campus
Plaine
Evaluation
Méthode(s) d'évaluation
- Autre
Autre
The exam will be oral and will take place in January (1st session). It will be based on the material presented during the lectures. The students will be invited to deepen a specific topic of their choice.
Construction de la note (en ce compris, la pondération des notes partielles)
The note is based on an oral exam.
Langue(s) d'évaluation
- anglais
- (éventuellement anglais, français )