SYLLABUS and REQUIREMENTS

PHYS6314 High Energy Physics, Fall 2010

Prof. Xinchou Lou

Objectives
Students will learn at advanced graduate level the following subjects: particle-matter
interactions, principles of modern elementary detection, design and operation of modern
particle detectors used in leading high energy experiments, principles of data acquisition,
and techniques of high energy physics data analysis. At the end of the study students will
be able to comprehend the complex experimental apparatus described in current high
energy publications and be ready to participate in the experimental operation at a high
energy laboratory.

Physics 6314 Course Policy

(1) Class attendance is required for this course.
(2) Students are required to make weekly presentations in class on the topics they are
assigned to study.
(3) A midterm paper, and a final paper, are required for this course.
Late submission will not be accepted.
Reference Books (Not required. Available in my office for browsing)
Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments, 2nd ed.
W. R. Leo, ISBN 0-387-57280-5 2nd ed., Spring-Verlag.
Principles of Radiation Interaction in Matter and Detection
by C. Leroy and P. G. Rancoita, ISBN 981-238-909-1, World Scientific Publishing Co. Ltd.
Data Analysis Techniques for High Energy Physics, 2nd ed.
R. Fruhwirth et. al., ISBN 0 521-63548 9 (paperback), The University Press, Cambridge.
Statistics for Nuclear and Particle Physicists, by Louis Lyons,
Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0 521 37934 2

Course Content and Schedule

Details are posted at the class web site
http://www.utdallas.edu/~xinchou/phys6314-Fall2010.htm.

Weekly Reading Assignment and Class Presentations

Students will be given weekly reading & summary assignments. Students are required to
read and understand the papers assigned, search for additional literature to expand the
scope of their understanding about the subjects, and make presentations in class, and lead
the discussion on the subjects.

Midterm and Final Papers

Two substantial reading, research assignments (midterm and final) will be made.
Students are required to investigate a topic covered in this course, find a real life
experiment that applies the techniques or uses the detector, and produce a written report.
Student reports (in the form of printed hardcopy) must be submitted to the instructor in
person or placed inside the instructor’s mail box in ECSN2.230. No late reports are
permitted.
Grades
The grade will be based on student reports (30%), the midterm paper (20%) and the final
paper (50%)
Office Hours (preliminary--subject to change)
Monday, Wednesday 4:00 – 5:00 pm other time by appointment only.
Prof. X. C. Lou ECSN2.518 xinchou@utdallas.edu Messages 972-883-6409.