Course Number: Phys 5260
Course Name: Particle and Nuclear Physics
Credits: 4 Cr
Instructor: James Vary jvary@iastate.edu
PreReq: Graduate standing or Instructor permission. Previous or current coursework equivalent to PHYS 4810 (Quantum Mechanics II) is necessary for success in this course.
Course Description
Aimed at graduate students in theoretical or experimental Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics and Astrophysics. Phys 5260 is offered in the Fall semester. Topics covered include,
Nuclear Physics:
- Basic structure of the nucleus
- Binding energies using the Liquid Drop Model
- Decay rates for alpha, beta and gamma decays
- Astrophysical nucleosynthesis mechanisms
Particle Physics:
- Standard Model of particle Physics
- Baryon and Meson structure in terms of constituent quark model
- Selection rules for reactions and decays
- Calculation of Decay rates and cross sections using perturbation theory