Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The course gives a basic introduction to the algebraic origin of supersymmetry as an extension of Special Relativity, and the construction and phenomenology of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM). The aim is that students should be able to interpret experimental results in the search for supersymmetry, be able to perform basic theoretical predictions for the MSSM in general, and to achieve expert level knowledge on a particular research topic within supersymmetry.

Learning outcome

After taking this course you should:

  • Have a basic understanding of group theory, representations of groups, the Lie groups central to modern theoretical physics and their Lie algebras.
  • Understand the role of the Poincaré algebra in Special Relativity, and the construction of its supersymmetric extensions and their irreducible representations.
  • Be able to use superspace and superfields to construct supersymmetric models in N=1 supersymmetry.
  • Understand the fundamental arguments in favor of supersymmetry at low energies, and the problems that the theory faces, including the issue of supersymmetry breaking, the hierarchy problem, renormalisation group equations and their relation to Grand Unified Theories (GUT), vacuum energy, R-parity and radiative electroweak symmetry breaking.
  • Understand the construction and phenomenological properties of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM).
  • Be able to understand research papers dealing with the phenomenology of supersymmetric particles and supersymmetric model building, and be able to interpret current and future experimental results from searches for supersymmetry at colliders, in precision tests and in searches for Dark Matter.
  • Be able to carry out leading order calculations in perturbation theory of supersymmetric particle production, annihilation and decay in the MSSM.
  • Develop research level expertise in one particular freely chosen topic within the course, and to be able communicate this in the form of a short report.

Admission to the course

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

For a good foundation in the basics of particle physics, having followed FYS4555 – Particle Physics would be an advantage. Students are also recommended to have either previously taken FYS4170 – Relativistic Quantum Field Theory, or to follow it in the same semester as this course.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The course will be taught over a whole semester with 4 hours of lectures per week.

Examination

  • Project assignment
  • Final oral exam

To pass the course, both the project assignment and the final oral exam must be passed.

When writing your exercises make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules for use of sources and citations. Breach of these rules may lead to suspicion of attempted cheating.

It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS5190 – Supersymmetry

Examination support material

No exam support material is allowed on the final oral exam. For the project assignment students are allowed to use any and all support material, written, online or otherwise, and any technological aid they want.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed exam at the beginning of the next semester.

New examinations are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Mar. 19, 2024 12:31:22 PM

Facts about this course

Level
PhD
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn

Every other autumn semester.

If the course is offered, a minimum of four students is required for ordinary lectures to take place. If less than four students participate, an exam will be given, but one should not expect ordinary teaching.

Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English