PHY3022 : Relativity and Fundamental Particles
PHY3022 : Relativity and Fundamental Particles
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Ian Moss
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PHY2026 | Vector Calculus |
| PHY2031 | Differential Equations, Transforms and Waves |
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To introduce the concept of spacetime, the theory of special relativity and the theory of elementary particles.
Outline Of Syllabus
Relativity: Metrics and differentials, spacetime, Lorentz boosts, time dilation,
length contraction, four vectors, kinematics, energy and momentum.
Particles: Standard model, conservation rules; leptons, neutrinos and weak interactions; quarks and strong interactions; Klein-Gordon and Dirac equation, Higgs vacuum and particle masses.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Students will gain knowledge of the basic principles of special relativity, relativistic kinematics and the application of relativity to elementary particles and their interactions.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Students will be able to apply the basic ideas of special relativity to solve simple problems, use 4-vectors to describe relativistic kinematics and analyse simple particle interactions.
Students will develop skills across the cognitive domain (Bloom’s taxonomy, 2001 revised edition): remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and create.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Revision Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Formal Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Completion of in course assessments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Problem Classes |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 58 | 1:00 | 58:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review |
| Total | 100:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| MAS3804 | Relativity and Fundamental Particles |
| MAS8804 | Relativity and Fundamental Particles |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking. Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. Problem Classes are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 80 | N/A |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relativity | 1 | N/A | |
| Relativity | 1 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 5 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The format of the examination will enable students to reliably demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and application of learning outcomes. The assurance of academic integrity forms a necessary part of programme accreditation.
Examination problems may require a synthesis of concepts and strategies from different sections, while they may have more than one ways for solution. The examination time allows the students to test different strategies, work out examples and gather evidence for deciding on an effective strategy, while carefully articulating their ideas and explicitly citing the theory they are using.
The coursework assignments allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY3022's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PHY3022's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
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