Particle Physics (2013 entry)

MSc, 1 year full time/2 years part time

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Subject overview

Physics and astronomy at Sussex was ranked in the top 5 in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2013, in the top 10 in the UK in The Sunday Times University Guide 2012, 16th in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2014 and 21st in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy was ranked 12th in the UK in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, and top in the South East. 95 per cent of our research was rated as internationally recognised or higher, and 60 per cent rated as internationally excellent or higher.

Our research lies at the forefront of fundamental physics, ranging from quantum information processing, quantum optics, and cold atom physics, through a programme of top-rated particle physics experiments, to the theoretical understanding of space, time and matter.

The Department has a truly international character, with collaborations in Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia.

The Department is a founder member of SEPnet, the South East Physics Network of physics departments, which in 2008 received a joint award of £12.5 million to enhance collaboration in graduate teaching and research.

South East Physics Network logo

Specialist facilities

A wide range of experimental facilities at Sussex, at national centres and at international laboratories is available to graduate students. The Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics research group at Sussex operates state-of-the-art laboratories for quantum information processing with trapped ions, photons and electrons. Our experimental facilities include a range of high-precision laser systems from infrared to ultraviolet, as well as miniature ion and atom chips for the controlled manipulation of quantum bits. Sussex is one of only two places in the world with the capability to manufacture the optical-fibre cavities needed for quantum networking.

Our postgraduate students have access to a range of computing facilities including the University’s high-performance computing service. Our research groups have dedicated unix-based computing systems, and access to national and international super-computer facilities. The Experimental Particle Physics group is part of a Grid Tier-2 node and benefits from access to the Grid’s distributed high-performance computing resources. We are currently refurbishing all of our research and teaching laboratories.

Academic activities

Both taught and research students are expected to attend research seminars, and to contribute to their group’s discussions of the latest journal papers. PhD students have an opportunity to attend an international conference and give a paper on their specialist subject. Many experimentalist PhD students also have the opportunity to travel to various other sites, such as the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in the French Alps, CERN in Geneva and SNOLAB in Canada. Most PhD students acquire considerable computing skills, which they find an asset in obtaining employment.

Programme outline

The degree covers all-important and up-to-date topics of modern experimental and theoretical particle physics, and provides a sound footing for further studies in this field. A substantial project component allows you to carry out a research project under the individual supervision of a member of faculty.

Instruction is by lectures, seminars and personal supervision.

Also refer to Department of Physics and Astronomy: Preparatory study

We continue to develop and update our modules for 2013 entry to ensure you have the best student experience. In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.

Full-time structure

Your time is split equally between taught modules and a research project in either theoretical or experimental particle physics. You will have a supervisor who oversees your work in general and is responsible for supervision of your project. Supervisors and topics are allocated, in consultation with you, early in the autumn term. 

You take one compulsory module in the autumn term, Quantum Field Theory I. The remaining five modules are selected, in consultation with your supervisor, from those listed under the MSc in Physics. At least two modules must contain an examination component that is assessed during the summer term. 

A typical selection for a student doing a theoretical project would be General Relativity, Symmetry in Particle Physics, and Further Quantum Mechanics in the autumn term; Quantum Field Theory II and Beyond the Standard Model in the spring term. 

For a student doing an experimental project it would be Further Quantum Mechanics and Data Analysis Techniques in the autumn term; and Advanced Particle Physics and Particle Physics Detector Technology in the spring term. Other options are available in both terms.

Part-time structure

Distribution of modules over the two years is flexible and will be agreed between you, your supervisor and the module convenor. 

Assessment 

Assessment for the taught modules is by coursework and/or unseen examination. Assessment for the project is by seminar, poster presentation, and a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words. 

Back to module list

Advanced Particle Physics

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

You will acquire an overview of the current status of modern particle physics and current experimental techniques used in an attempt to answer today's fundamental questions in this field. 

The topics discussed will be: 

  • Essential skills for the experimental particle physicist
  • Neutrino physics: Neutrino oscillations and reactor neutrinos
  • Neutrino physics: SuperNova, geo- and solar- neutrinos and direct neutrino mass measurements
  • Cosmic ray physics
  • Dark matter
  • Introduction to QCD (jets, particles distribution functions, etc)
  • Higgs physics
  • BSM (including supersymmetry)
  • Flavour physics & CP violation
  • Electric dipole measurements
  • Future particle physics experiments.

Beyond the Standard Model

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This module covers:

  • Basics of global supersymmetry: motivation and algebra, the Wess-Zumino model, superfields and superspace, construction of supersymmetry-invariant Lagrangians.
  • Weak scale supersymmetry: the gauge hierarchy problem, the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM).
  • Grand unification: SUS(5), the gauge sector, fermion masses, proton decay.
  • Extra dimensions: Kaluza-Klein reduction for scalars, fermions and gauge fields, generation of hierarchies, warped geometry.

Introduction to Cosmology

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module covers:

  • observational overview: In visible light and other wavebands; the cosmological principle; the expansion of the universe; particles in the universe.
  • Newtonian gravity: the Friedmann equation; the fluid equation; the acceleration equation.
  • geometry: flat, spherical and hyperbolic; infinite vs. observable universes; introduction to topology
  • cosmological models: solving equations for matter and radiation dominated expansions and for mixtures (assuming flat geometry and zero cosmological constant); variation of particle number density with scale factor; variation of scale factor with time and geometry.
  • observational parameters: hubble, density, deceleration.
  • cosmological constant: fluid description; models with a cosmological constant.
  • the age of the universe: tests; model dependence; consequences
  • dark matter: observational evidence; properties; potential candidates (including MACHOS, neutrinos and WIMPS)
  • the cosmic microwave background: properties; derivation of photo to baryon ratio; origin of CMB (including decoupling and recombination).
  • the early universe: the epoch of matter-radiation equality; the relation between temperature and time; an overview of physical properties and particle behaviour.
  • nucleosynthesis: basics of light element formation; derivation of percentage, by mass, of helium; introduction to observational tests; contrasting decoupling and nucleosynthesis.
  • inflation: definition; three problems (what they are and how they can be solved); estimation of expansion during inflation; contrasting early time and current inflationary epochs; introduction to cosmological constant problem and quintessence.
  • initial singularity: definition and implications.
  • connection to general relativity: brief introduction to Einstein equations and their relation to Friedmann equation.
  • cosmological distance scales: proper, luminosity, angular distances; connection to observables.
  • structures in the universe: CMB anisotropies; galaxy clustering
  • constraining cosmology: connection to CMB, large scale structure (inc BAO and weak lensing) and supernovae.

Data Analysis Techniques

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module introduces you to the mathematical and statistical techniques used to analyse data. The module is fairly rigorous, and is aimed at students who have, or anticipate having, research data to analyse in a thorough and unbiased way.

Topics include: probability distributions; error propagation; maximum likelihood method and linear least squares fitting; chi-squared testing; subjective probability and Bayes' theorem; monte Carlo techniques; and non-linear least squares fitting.

Early Universe

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

An advanced module on cosmology.

Topics include:

  • Hot big bang and the FRW model; Redshifts, distances, Hubble law
  • Thermal history, decoupling, recombination, nucleosynthesis
  • Problems with the hot big bang and inflation with a single scalar field
  • Linear cosmological perturbation theory
  • Quantum generation of perturbations in inflation
  • Scalar and tensor power spectrum predictions from inflation
  • Perturbation evolution and growth after reheating; free streaming and Silk damping
  • Matter power spectrum and CMB anisotropies.

Further Quantum Mechanics

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

Topics covered include:

  • Review of 4-vector notation and Maxwell equations. 
  • Relativistic quantum mechanics: Klein-Gordon equation and antiparticles.
  • Time-dependent perturbation theory. Application to scattering processes and calculation of cross-sections. Feynman diagrams.
  • Spin-1/2 particles and the Dirac equation. Simple fermionic scatterings.

 

General Relativity

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module provides an introduction to the general theory of relativity, including:

  • Brief review of special relativity
  • Scalars, vectors and tensors
  • Principles of equivalence and covariance
  • Space-time curvature
  • The concept of space-time and its metric
  • Tensors and curved space-time; covariant differentiation
  • The energy-momentum tensor
  • Einstein's equations
  • The Schwarzschild solution and black holes
  • Tests of general relativity
  • Weak field gravity and gravitational waves
  • Relativity in cosmology and astrophysics.

Nuclear and Particle Physics

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module on nuclear and particle physics covers:

  • Chronology of discoveries.
  • Basic nuclear properties.
  • Nuclear forces.
  • Models of nuclear structure.
  • Magic numbers.
  • Nuclear reactions, nuclear decay and radioactivity, including their roles in nature.
  • The weak force.
  • Existence and properties of neutrinos.
  • Qualitative introduction to neutrino oscillations.
  • C, P and T symmetries.
  • Classification of elementary particles, and their reactions and decays.
  • Particle structure.
  • Qualitative introduction to Feynman diagrams.

Object Oriented Programming

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

You will be introduced to object-oriented programming, and in particular to understanding, writing, modifying, debugging and assessing the design quality of simple Java applications.

You do not need any previous programming experience to take this module, as it is suitable for absolute beginners.

Particle Physics Detector Technology

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

The module explores the technical manner in which some of the scientific questions in the fields of experimental particle physics, including high energy physics, neutrino physics etc, are being addressed. You are introduced to many of the experimental techniques that are used to study the particle phenomena. The focus is on the demands those scientific requirements place on the detector technology and current state-of-the-art technologies.
This module aims to provide you with an introduction to some of the basic concepts of particle physics and an overview of some of the topical cutting edge questions in the field. As well as an understanding of some key types of experiments and a detailed understanding of the underlying detector technologies.

Module topics include:

  • Introduction to particle structure. Particles and forces, masses and lifetimes. Coupling strengths and interactions. Cross sections and decays
  • Accelerators. Principles of acceleration. Kinematics, center of mass. Fixed target experiments, colliders
  • Reactors.Nuclear fission reactors, fission reactions, types of reactors. Neutron sources, absorption and moderation, neutron reactions. Nuclear fusion, solar and fusion reactors
  • Detectors. Gaseous. Liquid (scintillator, cerenkov, bubble chamber). Solid-state. Scintillation. Calorimeters, tracking detectors. Particle identification
  • Monte Carlo modelling. Physics.

Particle Physics

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

Programming in C++

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

After a review of the basic concepts of the C++ language, you are introduced to object oriented programming in C++ and its application to scientific computing. This includes writing and using classes and templates, operator overloading, inheritance, exceptions and error handling. In addition, Eigen, a powerful library for linear algebra is introduced. The results of programs are displayed using the graphics interface dislin.

Quantum Field Theory 1

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module is an introduction into quantum field theory, covering

  • Action principle and Lagrangean formulation of mechanics
  • Lagrangean formulation of field theory and relativistic invariance
  • Symmetry, invariance and Noether's theorem
  • Canonical quantization of the scalar field
  • Canonical quantization of the electromagnetic field
  • Canonical quantization of the Dirac spinor field
  • Interactions, the S matrix, and perturbative expansions
  • Feynman rules and radiative corrections.

Quantum Field Theory 2

15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

Module topics include:

  • Path integrals: Path integrals in quantum mechanics; Functionals; Path integral quantisation of scalar field; Gaussian integration; Free particle Green's functions ; Vacuum-vacuum transition function Z[J]. 
  • Interacting field theory in path integral formulation. Generating functional W[J]; Momentum space Greens functions; S-matrix and LSZ reduction formula; Grassmann variables; Fermionic path integral. 
  • Gauge field theory: Internal symmetries; Gauge symmetry 1: Abelian; The electromagnetic field; Gauge symmetry 2: non-Abelian. 
  • Renormalisation of scalar field theory; Quantum gauge theory; Path integral quantisation of non-Abelian gauge theories; Faddeev-Popov procedure, ghosts; Feynman rules in covariant gauge; Renormalisation.

Quantum Optics and Quantum Information

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

The module will introduce you to quantum optics and quantum information, covering:

  • Quantum systems and the qubit
  • Non-locality in quantum mechanics
  • Methods of quantum optics
  • The density matrix
  • The process of measurement
  • Introduction of irreversibility
  • Decoherence and quantum information
  • Quantum and classical communication
  • Measures of entanglement and distance between states
  • Logic operations and quantum algorithms
  • Requirements for quantum computers
  • Physical systems for quantum information processing.

Symmetry in Particle Physics

15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

The module provides an introduction into group theory and aspects of symmetry in particle physics, covering:

  • Groups and representations
  • Lie groups and Lie algebras
  • Space-time symmetries and Poincare group
  • Symmetry and conservation laws
  • Global, local, and discrete symmetry
  • Symmetry breaking and the origin of mass
  • Symmetry of the standard model, CKM matrix, neutrino masses, tree-level interactions.

Back to module list

Entry requirements

UK entrance requirements

A first- or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in a physics- or mathematics-based subject.

Candidates should have a strong background in modern physics subjects such as quantum mechanics and electrodynamics. Those requesting experimental projects must have laboratory experience, and evidence must be supplied, usually in the form of a reference, of competence in the laboratory.

Overseas entrance requirements

Please refer to column A on the Overseas qualifications.

If you have any questions about your qualifications after consulting our overseas qualifications table, contact the University.
E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk

Visas and immigration

Find out more about Visas and immigration.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with not less than 6.5 in Writing and 6.0 in the other sections. Internet TOEFL with 88 overall, with at least 20 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking and 24 in Writing.

For more information, refer to English language requirements.

Additional admissions information

We must receive your application by 1 August if you are a non-EEA student because this degree requires clearance by the UK Government Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).

For more information about the admissions process at Sussex

For pre-application enquiries:

Student Recruitment Services
T +44 (0)1273 876787
E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk

For post-application enquiries:

Postgraduate Admissions,
University of Sussex,
Sussex House, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 877773
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E pg.applicants@sussex.ac.uk 

Fees and funding

Fees

Home UK/EU students: £5,5001
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £5,5002
Overseas students: £16,2003

1 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
3 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.

To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.

Funding

The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.

To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.

Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust for Postgraduate Study (2013)

Region: UK
Level: PG (taught), PG (research)
Application deadline: 1 October 2013

The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust are offering bursaries to Postgraduate students following any postgraduate degree courses in any subject.

Sussex Graduate Scholarship (2013)

Region: UK, Europe (Non UK), International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 16 August 2013

Open to final year Sussex students who graduate with a 1st or 2:1 degree and who are offered a F/T place on an eligible Masters course in 2013.

Faculty interests

For more detailed information, visit the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Our four research groups are focused on research into fundamental areas of science: 

Astronomy Centre

Dr Ilian Iliev uses supercomputer simulations to study the formation of large-scale cosmological structures, the cosmic dark ages and reionisation by the first stars.

Dr Antony Lewis works on theoretical and observational cosmology. He is involved with analysing data from the Planck Satellite.

Professor Andrew Liddle works on a range of topics in theoretical cosmology and dark energy. He is involved in the Planck Satellite and the Dark Energy Survey.

Dr Jon Loveday is an astronomer interested in observational cosmology, the nature of dark matter, and in galaxy formation. He participates in several world-leading optical and near-infrared galaxy surveys, including GAMA, SDSS, UKIDSS and VISTA.

Professor Seb Oliver is an astronomer researching the evolution of galaxies since the Big Bang. He undertakes surveys of the distant universe and leads the largest project on the Herschel mission.

Dr Kathy Romer is an observational cosmologist specialising in the detection and study of x-ray clusters of galaxies. She is the principal investigator of the international XMM Cluster Survey project.

Dr David Seery is a theoretical cosmologist working on the physics of the very early universe, and in particular the properties of the primordial density perturbation, which is believed to have seeded later structure formation.

Professor Peter Thomas uses supercomputer simulations to investigate the physics of galaxies and clusters of galaxies.

Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

Dr Claudia Eberlein is a theorist working on quantum optics and quantum field theory. 

Dr Barry Garraway heads this group and is a theoretical physicist with a particular research interest in quantum physics and quantum optics. 

Dr Winfried Hensinger researches ion quantum technology and is implementing new quantum technologies using ultracold-trapped ions. 

Dr Matthias Keller studies the interaction between single atomic ions and light to exchange information between quantum computers. 

Dr José Verdú aims to develop novel types of traps for electrons with applications to metrology.

Experimental Particle Physics

Dr Antonella De Santo heads this group and also leads the Sussex effort on ATLAS at CERN. She searches for supersymmetry in ATLAS data in a quest to uncover the nature of dark matter in the universe. 

Dr Elisabeth Falk seeks to find manifestations of new physics in both neutrino experiments and in proton-proton interactions at the Large Hadron Collider. 

Dr Mike Hardiman seeks to uncover the processes that led to the dominance of matter over anti-matter in the universe. 

Professor Philip Harris is spokesperson of the CryoEDM experiment. He makes high-precision measurements of the neutron electric dipole moment, searching for subtle effects from new physics beyond the Standard Model. 

Dr Jeff Hartnell is interested in fundamental properties of neutrinos. He works on the SNO+ experiment, attempting to determine whether the neutrino is its own anti-particle. 

Dr Simon Peeters heads the SNO+ effort at Sussex and is interested in fundamental properties of the neutrino. He is also involved in the DEAP-3600 experiment aimed at direct searches of dark matter. 

Dr Fabrizio Salvatore is involved in the ATLAS experiment at the CERN LHC, working on the experiment’s trigger system and on searches for supersymmetry in tau final states.

Theoretical Particle Physics

Dr Xavier Calmet investigates physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics and in particular the Higgs sector. 

Professor Mark Hindmarsh is a world expert on the physics of the early universe and looks at the dynamics of strings in cosmology. 

Dr Stephan Huber works on early universe cosmology and particle physics beyond the Standard Model. 

Dr Sebastian Jaeger’s research centres on indirect ways to find new particles via their virtual effects. 

Dr Daniel Litim heads this group and is a world leader of renormalisation group approaches to fundamental interactions in quantum field theory. 

 

 

Careers and profiles

Our graduates go on to take research degrees, or take up employment in a range of industries in roles such as business/data analysis, computer programming, software development, teaching, or research and teaching technical support.

For more information, visit Careers and alumni.

School and contacts

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences brings together two outstanding and progressive departments – Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. It capitalises on the synergy between these subjects to deliver new and challenging opportunities for its students and faculty.

Physics and Astronomy, PG Admissions,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9QH, UK
E msc@physics.sussex.ac.uk
Department of Physics and Astronomy

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