Symmetry and the Standard Model

While theoretical particle physics is an extraordinarily fascinating field, the incredibly fast pace at which it moves along, combined with the huge amount of background information necessary to perform cutting edge research, poses a formidable challenge for graduate students.

This book represents the first in a series designed to assist students in the process of transitioning from coursework to research in particle physics. Rather than reading literally dozens of physics and mathematics texts, trying to assimilate the countless ideas, translate notations and perspectives, and see how it all fits together to get a holistic understanding, this series provides a detailed overview of the major mathematical and physical ideas in theoretical particle physics. Ultimately the ideas will be presented in a unified, consistent, holistic picture, where each topic is built firmly on what has come before, and all topics are related in a clear and intuitive way.

This introductory text on quantum field theory and particle physics provides both a self-contained and complete introduction to not only the necessary physical ideas, but also a complete introduction to the necessary mathematical tools. Assuming minimal knowledge of undergraduate physics and mathematics, this book lays both the mathematical and physical groundwork with clear, intuitive explanations and plenty of examples. The book then continues with an exposition of the Standard Model of Particle Physics, the theory that currently seems to explain the universe apart from gravity. Furthermore, this book was written as a primer for the more advanced mathematical and physical ideas to come later in this series.

• Hamilton's principle
• Introduction to particle physics
• Introduction to quantum field theory
• Lie group theory
• Noether's theorum
• Standard Model of Particle Physics
• classical field theories
• gauge transformations in electrodynamics
• quantum field theory

From the reviews:

“Symmetry and the Standard Model is the first volume of a planned series of at least four volumes ‘intended to teach math to physicists.’ The book applies basic group theory to quantum field theory, including the standard model of particle physics. The intended audience is upper-level undergraduates and beginning graduate students … . As a textbook, it is probably best suited for an elective course for math and physics majors … . Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals.” (M. C. Ogilvie, Choice, Vol. 49 (7), March, 2012)

“A remarkable collection and collaborative effort to convey to an inquisitive mind most of what is required today to acquire an understanding and appreciate the salient facets of the exciting subject of particle physics as well as the involved intricate mathematics. … an excellent example of many experts working together to finally come out with an exemplary book of immense use. … will be most useful helping the scholars to quickly achieve progress of study and research in a unique area of intellectual endeavor.” (Paninjukunnath Achuthan, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1233, 2012)

• ., USA

  Matthew Robinson

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