Elementary Particle Physics

Our research groups are probing the fundamental nature of elementary particles and the interactions between them at the smallest length-scales. This is done in precision tests of the standard model and the search for new physics that goes beyond these expectations. Experimentalists do these tests at CERN and also develop new detectors for LHCb and CMS.  Theorists are involved in all areas of phenomenology for standard model physics and beyond.

Coordinator: Prof. Massimiliano Grazzini

This master’s program offers an advanced education in theoretical and experimental Particle Physics. Faculty members at the ETH and the UZH jointly offer courses in this program. After introductory lectures, practice sessions and labs, students begin their master’s thesis that should take 9 months.

The following research groups offer master theses:
Experiment: Groups Baudis, Canelli, Kilminster, and Serra
Theory: Groups Crivellin, Gehrmann, Grazzini, Isidori, Pozzorini, Signer and Stoffer

Guide to Physics Studies (PDF, 504 KB)

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Research Seminar

Students are required to regularly attend a research seminar during two semesters (“Current work in astrophysics and particle physics” or “theoretical particle physics”).

The remaining credits needed to fulfill the requirement of 90 credit points must be earned in elective modules. Students can also choose additional courses amongst the core elective listing. Every year, specialized lectures are offered on topics of current research. Credits earned in intensive courses for graduate education will also be counted as well as compulsory courses of other master concentrations in physics. If you have any questions, please discuss the program with the coordinator of the master's program (Christof Aegerter) or the coordinator of the particle physics specialisation.

Examples of elective modules

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Compulsory modules: Nuclear and Particle Physics I (PHY211) and Quantum Mechanics I (PHY331)
it is advised to attend these modules already during the BSc studies

In addition to these requirements, all students must discuss the courses they intend to complete with their master thesis advisor, who may set additional requirements.

(will be held jointly by theoreticians and experimentalists)

• Relativistic kinematics
• Cross sections and phase space
• Elements in quantum electrodynamics
• Unitary symmetries and QCD
• Electroweak interactions
• Physics of flavours
• Limits of the standard model (GUT and SUSY, etc.)

• Relativistic quantum mechanics and field quantization
• Gauge theories
• Quantum Chromodynamics
• Theory of Electroweak Interactions
• Applications to specific particle reactions

• Relativistic wave functions
  Quantification of free fields
  Re-normalization
  Perturbation theory

• Physics and structure of particle accelerators
• Foundations and concepts in particle detectors
• Trace and vortex detectors, calorimetry, particle identification
• Special applications such as Cerenkov detectors, air showers, direct detection of dark matter, emulsions
• Simulations methods, selection electronics, trigger and data measurement
• Examples and key experiments

This internship lasts for 4 to 6 weeks, during which students construct, conduct and evaluate an experiment using a particle radiation at CERN or PSI or some other research lab. For instance, you might do an internship at PSI, where you work in a group for three weeks planning and constructing an experiment that uses the PSI’s secondary laser and conducting it jointly during shifts. Then you must evaluate your data and complete a report.

• Advanced topics such as:
  Re-normalization groups
  Abel and non-Abel Eich theories
  Standard model, Higgs mechanism
  Path integrals

• B-Penomenology
  Neutrino masses and oscillations
  CP violation in B⁰s
   

The Guide to Physics Studies (PDF, 504 KB) provides comprehensive information about the Bachelor's and Master's programs.