3751 Quantum Physics II is an introduction to the physics of elementary particles. After a brief overview of special relativity and non-relativistic quantum mechanics, this course covers relativistic quantum mechanics (Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, antiparticles, spin, transition probability, and Feynman diagrams) and particle physics (leptons and quarks, strong and weak interaction, conservation laws, and standard model of elementary particles).

PR: Physics 3750.

A theory is the more impressive the greater the simplicity of its premises, the more different kinds of things it relates, and the more extended its area of applicability. (Albert Einstein).

This quote by Einstein, originally about thermodynamics, can be equally well applied to quantum physics. Indeed, quantum physics is based on a relatively small number of rules, and its predictions are vast, deep, and numerous. PHYS3751 is a course about quantum description of elementary particles. Because the kinetic energy of these objects is typically comparable to their rest energy, they are intrinsically relativistic. Therefore, this course gives an in-depth overview of relativistic quantum theory, from which the most fundamental properties of elementary particles can be derived, such as charge, spin, and the existence of antiparticles. The course introduces the zoo of subatomic particles, describes the conservation laws that govern their reactions, and summarizes the generally accepted standard model of elementary particles.