The Standard Model and Particles



Overview

The Standard Model of particle physics stands as one of the greatest achievements of science, explaining the fundamental building blocks of the universe and the forces that act between them.

This course offers a detailed yet accessible exploration of the Standard Model, starting with the principles of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, and then progressively unveiling the elegant symmetries that give rise to forces and matter particles.

Each major particle and field, from photons and gluons to quarks, leptons, and the Higgs boson, will be introduced with a dual focus: the underlying theoretical ideas and the real experimental discoveries that confirmed them.

We will weave together mathematical insights (at an intuitive level) with key historical moments such as the discovery of the electron, the weak force bosons at CERN, and the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider.

The course is designed for students with a range of backgrounds. Emphasis will be placed on building conceptual understanding through clear explanations, analogies, and visual representations, with minimal mathematical prerequisites.

On completion of the course, students will have a coherent picture of how the universe's most fundamental pieces fit together — and where our current theories fall short.

Programme details

Course starts: 24 Apr 2026

Week 1: Classical Physics Breaks Down.

Week 2: Fields and the Quantum Leap.

Week 3: Symmetries and Forces.

Week 4: Electromagnetism and the photon.

Week 5: The weak interaction.

Week 6: The strong interaction.

Week 7: Leptons.

Week 8: Quarks.

Week 9: The Higgs Field and the Mass Puzzle.

Week 10: Beyond the Standard Model.

Certification

Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Points

Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. Please follow this link for more information on Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points

Digital Certificate of Completion 

Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Please note students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee (with no assessment) £300.00
Assessment and Accreditation fee £60.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Andrea Russo

Andrea completed his Ph.D. at Universe College London, where he studied different aspects of Quantum Gravity and Quantum Information Theory under Prof. Jonathan Oppenheim.  He is currently following three different research directions, ranging from reformulating Quantum Field Theory without the explicit use of time to studying the implications of stochastic effects in a hybrid classical-quantum theory of matter on spacetime. Andrea’s most recent works have been in the field of Classical-Quantum gravity, where he explored a consistent way of coupling quantum fields and classical gravity, with the goal of avoiding the problem of quantum gravity altogether. Andrea has studied mathematical physics at the University of Nottingham and obtained his Master's degree in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University.

Course aims

  • To explore the structure and foundations of the Standard Model of particle physics, relating the role of symmetry, quantum fields, and experimental discoveries in building our understanding of fundamental particles and forces.

  • To introduce the key concepts of quantum mechanics, fields, and gauge symmetries in an accessible and intuitive manner.

  • To systematically explain how each fundamental particle and interaction arises from symmetry principles, linking these ideas to their real-world experimental discovery.

  • To develop a critical understanding of both the theoretical beauty and the experimental challenges of the Standard Model, preparing students to appreciate current frontiers and open questions in particle physics.

Teaching methods

The course will be delivered through a combination of structured lectures, visual demonstrations, and interactive discussions. Each lecture will introduce key theoretical concepts with clear explanations, supported by diagrams, real-world experimental data, and historical anecdotes to illustrate discoveries.
Mathematical ideas will be presented at a gentle, intuitive level, using analogies and visual representations wherever possible, with optional additional resources for students seeking deeper study.

Students will be encouraged to ask questions and participate actively during discussions, particularly when interpreting experimental results or exploring how symmetries shape particle behavior.

Short, guided thought experiments and step-by-step drawing of basic Feynman diagrams will be used to consolidate understanding.

Supplementary optional reading materials and simple resource sheets will be provided each week to support independent learning.

There is no fieldwork requirement.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be expected to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key symmetries underlying the Standard Model and how they relate to forces and particles.

  • Analyse and explain how quantum fields, gauge bosons, and matter particles are connected through symmetry principles, and how real experiments confirmed their existence.

  • Critically discuss the strengths and limitations of the Standard Model, recognising the open questions that motivate current research beyond it.

  • Develop independent critical thinking skills and increased scientific confidence when approaching complex physical theories, experimental discoveries, and modern debates in fundamental physics.

Assessment methods

The summative assessment for the course is a portfolio of five pieces of coursework. The coursework might consist of short essays and/or mathematical and physical problems. Students will also be given the opportunity to submit a practice piece of coursework as a formative assignment.

Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation will submit coursework.

Application

To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Students who do not register for assessment and credit during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support