This free course, Particle physics, will give you an overview of current concepts and theories in the field. You will learn about the fundamental components of matter – known as leptons and quarks – and the composite particles, such as protons and neutrons, which are composed of quarks. You will see that all particle reactions may be described in terms of one of two fundamental interactions, known as the strong and the weak interactions, responsible for binding particles together and allowing them to change type, respectively.This OpenLearn science course was updated with the kind support of Dangoor Education340, the educational arm of The Exilarch's Foundation.
Overview
Syllabus
- Introduction
- Learning outcomes
- 1 Particle physics in context
- 1 Particle physics in context
- 2 Leptons
- 2 Leptons
- 3 Quarks
- 3 Quarks
- 4 Hadrons
- 4 Hadrons
- 4.1 Building a hadron
- 5 High-energy reactions
- 5 High-energy reactions
- 6 Strong interactions
- 6 Strong interactions
- 6.1 Gluons
- 6.2 Quantum chromodynamics
- 7 Beta-decay at the level of quarks and leptons
- 7 Beta-decay at the level of quarks and leptons
- 8 Weak interactions
- 8 Weak interactions
- 8.1 W and Z bosons
- 8.2 The survival of the neutron
- Conclusion
- Glossary
- Acknowledgements
Tags
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Reviews
4.3 rating, based on 3 Class Central reviews
4.6 rating at OpenLearn based on 36 ratings
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The Particle Physics course by The Open University on OpenLearn is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the building blocks of our universe. Its well-organized content, engaging presentation, and expert instruction make it a standout choice for learners at an introductory to intermediate level. Whether you are a student, a science enthusiast, or just curious about the fundamental forces of nature, this course provides a solid and fascinating introduction to the world of particle physics.
Rating: 4.5/5
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The course was well-structured, with each module building on the previous one. The material was presented in a logical sequence, making complex concepts easier to grasp. The combination of video lectures, interactive simulations, and hands-on experiments allowed for a multi-faceted learning experience.
