Particle Physics & Standard Model Course | NPTEL | Prof. Nirmal Raj IISc
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 89 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Physics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unveiling the Universe's Blueprint: A Deep Dive into Particle Physics and the Standard Model
What are the most fundamental building blocks of our universe, and what forces govern their interactions? Particle physics seeks to answer these profound questions, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge to the smallest scales imaginable. This 12-week postgraduate course, instructed by Prof. Nirmal Raj from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, offers a comprehensive exploration of this fascinating field, culminating in our current best understanding: the Standard Model of particle physics.
Prof. Raj, a particle theorist at IISc's Centre for High Energy Physics and an accomplished science writer, guides students through the theoretical foundations and experimental triumphs that define modern high-energy physics. The course is designed for advanced students—4th-year undergraduates, Masters, and PhD candidates—who have a solid grounding in quantum mechanics and special relativity.
Course Overview and Learning Journey
The course is structured to build knowledge from the ground up, starting with core concepts and progressing to the forefront of current research.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2: Foundations & Symmetries | What defines a particle? Noether's Theorem, the Standard Model at different energy scales, discrete symmetries (Parity, Charge Conjugation, CP), and their violation. Introduction to group theory and Feynman diagrams. |
| Week 3-4: Relativistic Quantum Theory | Quantization of spin-0 (Klein-Gordon), spin-1/2 (Dirac), and spin-1 (Proca) fields. Lorentz group, chiral theory, and the principle of gauge invariance leading to Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and Yang-Mills theories. |
| Week 5-7: The Standard Model Architecture | Building the full Standard Model Lagrangian. Electroweak Symmetry Breaking via the Higgs mechanism. Fermion masses, mixing, and CP violation through the CKM and PMNS matrices. Neutrino oscillations. |
| Week 8-10: Experimental Observables & Tools | Scattering cross-sections, decay rates. Key processes: muon decay, e+e- annihilation, deep inelastic scattering. Parton model, parton distribution functions (PDFs), and the search for new forces. |
| Week 11-12: Frontiers & Cosmology | Particle physics of dark matter. Connecting particle physics to cosmology: Big Bang Nucleosynthesis and the Cosmic Microwave Background. |
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideally suited for:
- Postgraduate students (Masters/PhD) in Physics specializing in high-energy theory or phenomenology.
- Advanced undergraduate students (4th year) with a strong interest in theoretical physics.
- Researchers seeking a structured refresher on the core principles of the Standard Model.
Prerequisites for Success
To fully benefit from this advanced material, students must have completed:
- Bachelor’s Level Quantum Mechanics: Understanding of wavefunctions, operators, and the Schrödinger equation.
- Special Relativity: Familiarity with Lorentz transformations, 4-vectors, and relativistic kinematics.
- Recommended Preparation: An introductory course in Quantum Field Theory (e.g., scalar field theory) is highly beneficial. Prof. Raj suggests specific NPTEL courses to bridge any knowledge gaps.
Key Textbooks and References
The course draws from several classic and modern texts, providing multiple perspectives on the subject:
- Griffiths, D.J.: Introduction to Elementary Particles – An excellent pedagogical starting point.
- Schwartz, M.D.: Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model – A comprehensive modern textbook.
- Peskin, M.E. & Schroeder, D.V.: An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory – The classic advanced reference.
- Holstein, B., Donoghue, J.F., & Golowich, E.: Dynamics of the Standard Model – Focuses on phenomenological aspects.
- Srednicki, M.: Quantum Field Theory – A clear and concise alternative presentation.
Why Study Particle Physics and the Standard Model?
The Standard Model is one of the most successful scientific theories ever developed, accurately predicting the results of countless experiments. Yet, it is incomplete. It does not incorporate gravity, explain dark matter, or account for the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe. This course not only teaches you the elegant, established framework but also highlights these very mysteries—such as the strong CP problem and the nature of dark matter—guiding you to the cutting edge where future discoveries await.
Under the guidance of an expert like Prof. Nirmal Raj, whose research focuses on physics beyond the Standard Model, students will gain not just textbook knowledge but also insight into the live questions driving the field today. This course is your gateway to understanding the fundamental laws of nature and participating in the quest to rewrite them.
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