Introduction to the Standard Model and Beyond

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's book is an outstanding addition to the suite of textbooks on the Standard Model of particle physics, and it goes well beyond, as the title promises. The treatment is pedagogical and solidly anchored on quantum field theory and symmetry principles. It weaves seamlessly the fundamental aspects with phenomenology to offer a broad and deep exploration of one of the most successful theories of fundamental interactions and its possible extensions. With excellent suggestions for independent research projects, this textbook is bound to become a true classic, and it will be welcomed by students and instructors alike.' Daniel Boyanovsky, University of Pittsburgh, 'This is a fantastic book on the Standard Model and its extensions that will serve as an excellent resource for graduate students and researchers. Raby is one of the world's foremost experts on physics beyond the Standard Model, in particular supersymmetry and Grand Unified Theories, so the reader is in good hands. His treatment is very complete, starting from an almost foundational level, but over the course of over 600 pages he takes us to the cutting edge of particle physics research, with a clear, mathematically detailed narrative that never becomes overwhelming. This is a book I will most certainly be recommending to my own students!' David Miller, University of Glasgow, '… reading through Stuart Raby's book was a nice reminder of the importance and elegance of the Standard Model and gave an excellent insight into the many exciting areas of research beyond it that are still active today.' Richard Lane, The Observatory

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.