Particle Physics for Beginners – the Strong and Weak Interactions

About this course

This course examines the strong and weak interactions and their importance in the structure of matter. Through a series of lectures, it introduces the quantum chromodynamics model, including the role of gluons, quark colour, colour confinement, asymptotic freedom and chiral symmetry breaking. It also considers how the weak interaction changes the flavour of quarks and leptons, enables processes such as beta decay, and forms part of the electroweak interaction alongside electromagnetism. The course places these ideas in the wider context of fundamental interactions and their possible unification in the early universe.

What you'll learn

• Describe the quantum chromodynamics model of the strong interaction
• Explain the concepts of colour confinement, asymptotic freedom and chiral symmetry breaking
• Recognise how the weak interaction changes the flavour of quarks and leptons
• Describe how the weak and electromagnetic interactions are unified

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for complete beginners and people curious about particle physics. Its Beginner level suggests an introductory treatment, with key terminology explained as it arises. Teaching is lecture-based, so participation mainly involves listening and following the scientific explanations.

• No particular skills or previous experience are specified
• Technical terms are introduced and explained during the course

Before you go

• Pen and paper may be brought for taking notes.