Introduction to the Standard Model and Beyond: Quantum Field Theory, Symmetries and Phenomenology

The Standard Model of particle physics is an amazingly successful theory describing the fundamental particles and forces of nature. This text, written for a two-semester graduate course on the Standard Model, develops a practical understanding of the theoretical concepts it's built upon, to prepare students to enter research. The author takes a historical approach to demonstrate to students the process of discovery which is often overlooked in other textbooks, presenting quantum field theory and symmetries as the necessary tools for describing and understanding the Standard Model. He develops these tools using a basic understanding of quantum mechanics and classical field theory, such as Maxwell's electrodynamics, before discussing the important role that Noether's theorem and conserved charges play in the theory. Worked examples feature throughout the text, while homework exercises are included for the first five parts, with solutions available online for instructors. Inspired by the author's own teaching experience, suggestions for independent research topics have been provided for the second-half of the course, which students can then present to the rest of the class.

Stuart Raby is a professor of physics at The Ohio State University. He is among the original proponents of the supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model and a pioneer of supersymmetric grand unified theories. His work focuses on the experimental consequences of physics beyond the Standard Model, ranging from collider experiments to proton decay searches, dark matter candidates and questions in cosmology. His first book, Supersymmetric Grand Unified Theories, was published in 2017.