The Discovery of the Higgs Boson from Coursera

The discovery of a new fundamental particle at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), CERN is the latest step in a long quest seeking to answer one of physics’ most enduring questions: why do particles have mass? The experiments’ much anticipated success confirms predictions made decades earlier by Peter Higgs and others, and offers a glimpse into a universe of physics beyond the Standard Model.

As Professor Peter Higgs continues his inspiring role at Edinburgh University’s School of Physics & Astronomy, the experiments at the LHC continue.

This free online course introduces the theoretical tools needed to appreciate the discovery, and presents the elementary particles that have been discovered at the tiniest scales ever explored. Beginning with basic concepts in classical mechanics, the story unfolds through relativity and quantum mechanics, describing forces, matter and the unification of theories with an understanding driven by the tools of mathematics.

Narrating the journey through experimental results which led to the discovery in 2012, the course invites you to learn from a team of world-class physicists at Edinburgh University. Learners participate in discussion of the consequences of the Higgs boson, to physics and cosmology, and towards a stronger understanding and new description of the universe.

Photo of Professor Higgs © Peter Tuffy, The University of Edinburgh.

What's inside

Syllabus

Theoretical description of physical phenomena

The Higgs discovery is the latest step in a long journey of discovery of the elementary constituents of matter. Before we discuss the detailed structure of matter at the smallest scales ever explored, we want to introduce some basic concepts in the more familiar framework of classical mechanics.

A theory of matter and light

In order to have a consistent description of the interactions of matter and light, we need a new framework. QED as an example of RQFT.

From QED to QCD and the weak force

The framework introduced for QED can be generalised to describe all four fundamental forces in Nature. Characteristic features of the strong/weak force, what needs to be modified with respect to QED.

The Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism and the Standard Model

The Higgs mechanism, and the construction of the Standard Model, and Higgs phenomenology.

Experimental evidence for the Standard Model

This week should provide an overview of experimental techniques (colliders/detectors), and results.

Beyond the Standard Model

Basic understanding of concepts behind the hot big bang cosmology; relevance of particle processes to early Universe cosmology; summary of cosmological observations suggesting physics beyond the standard model.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an overview of the discovery of the Higgs Boson and its implications for particle physics and cosmology

Taught by a team of world-class physicists at Edinburgh University

Examines the development of theoretical tools and experimental techniques that led to the discovery of the Higgs Boson

Participatory discussion opportunities with a team of world-class physicists

Suitable for learners with a strong understanding of physics and mathematics

May not be accessible to learners with no prior scientific training

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Discovery of the Higgs Boson with these activities:

Participate in citizen science projects related to particle physics

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the field of particle physics through citizen science projects.

Browse courses on Particle Physics

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Identify citizen science projects related to particle physics
Register and participate in the projects

Assist struggling classmates with course concepts

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Strengthen understanding of course concepts by explaining them to others.

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Identify areas where classmates need support
Prepare to answer questions and explain concepts
Provide guidance and support to classmates

Review classical mechanics

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Refresh foundational skills in classical mechanics to improve understanding of forces and matter.

Browse courses on Classical Mechanics

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Review Newton's laws of motion
Practice solving problems using Newton's laws

Six other activities

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Discuss experimental techniques and results

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Gain insights and perspectives by engaging in discussions with peers on experimental techniques and the implications of experimental results.

Browse courses on Experimental Techniques

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Prepare by reviewing relevant concepts
Participate in discussions

Explore QED and QCD

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Delve deeper into the concepts of QED and QCD to enhance comprehension of the interactions of matter and light.

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Identify resources for guided tutorials on QED and QCD
Follow tutorials and complete exercises
Apply knowledge to understand the unification of theories

Solve practice problems on Higgs boson phenomenology

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Enhance understanding of the Higgs boson's properties and interactions through targeted practice problems.

Browse courses on Higgs Boson

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Identify practice problems and resources
Solve practice problems
Analyze solutions and identify areas for improvement

Develop a visual representation of the Standard Model

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Create a visual representation to solidify understanding of the fundamental particles and their interactions within the Standard Model.

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Gather information on the Standard Model and its components
Plan and design a visual representation (e.g., infographic, diagram)
Create the visual representation
Present or share the visual representation

Develop a presentation on the Higgs boson's role in cosmology

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Synthesize knowledge on the Higgs boson and cosmology to create a presentation that explores their connections.

Browse courses on Higgs Boson

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Research the Higgs boson's role in cosmology
Develop a presentation outline
Create visual aids and supporting materials
Present the research findings

Read Beyond the Standard Model by Kane

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Expand knowledge of particle physics beyond the Standard Model by engaging with a seminal work on the topic.

View String Theory and the Real World on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read and comprehend the material
Summarize key concepts

Career center

Learners who complete The Discovery of the Higgs Boson will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Particle Physicist

Particle Physicists are scientists who study the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that act between them, with a focus on elementary particles. A strong foundation in the Standard Model and its predictions, such as the Higgs boson, obtained from this course would be highly beneficial to professionals in this field, especially those studying the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

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Theoretical Physicist

Theoretical Physicists develop and use mathematical models to describe and predict the behavior of matter and energy. This course provides learners with an understanding of the theoretical tools needed to appreciate the discovery of the Higgs boson, which is a key component of the Standard Model of particle physics. The course also presents the elementary particles that have been discovered at the tiniest scales ever explored, which would be valuable knowledge for Theoretical Physicists.

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Experimental Physicist

Experimental Physicists design and conduct experiments to test and validate theoretical models in physics. This course provides learners with an overview of experimental techniques, including those used in the discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The course also discusses the consequences of the Higgs boson discovery for physics and cosmology, which would be valuable knowledge for Experimental Physicists working in this field.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct original research in a variety of scientific fields, including particle physics. This course provides learners with a strong foundation in the Standard Model of particle physics, including the Higgs boson, which would be beneficial for Research Scientists working in this field. The course also presents the elementary particles that have been discovered at the tiniest scales ever explored, which would be valuable knowledge for Research Scientists studying particle physics.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to a general audience. This course provides learners with a strong foundation in the Standard Model of particle physics, including the Higgs boson, which would be beneficial for Science Writers specializing in physics. The course also presents the elementary particles that have been discovered at the tiniest scales ever explored, which would be valuable knowledge for Science Writers covering particle physics research.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers educate students in the field of science, including particle physics. This course provides learners with a strong foundation in the Standard Model of particle physics, including the Higgs boson, which would be beneficial for Science Teachers specializing in physics. The course also presents the elementary particles that have been discovered at the tiniest scales ever explored, which would be valuable knowledge for Science Teachers covering particle physics.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course provides learners with an understanding of the experimental techniques used in particle physics, including those used in the discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The course also discusses the consequences of the Higgs boson discovery for physics and cosmology, which would be valuable knowledge for Data Analysts working in the field of particle physics.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course provides learners with an understanding of the experimental techniques used in particle physics, including those used in the discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The course also discusses the consequences of the Higgs boson discovery for physics and cosmology, which would be valuable knowledge for Software Engineers working on software systems for particle physics experiments.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. This course provides learners with a strong foundation in the Standard Model of particle physics, including the Higgs boson, which would be beneficial for Quantitative Analysts specializing in the financial applications of particle physics. The course also presents the elementary particles that have been discovered at the tiniest scales ever explored, which would be valuable knowledge for Quantitative Analysts working in the field of particle physics.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical models to assess risk and uncertainty. This course provides learners with a strong foundation in the Standard Model of particle physics, including the Higgs boson, which would be beneficial for Actuaries specializing in the insurance industry. The course also presents the elementary particles that have been discovered at the tiniest scales ever explored, which would be valuable knowledge for Actuaries working in the field of particle physics.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment recommendations. This course provides learners with a strong foundation in the Standard Model of particle physics, including the Higgs boson, which would be beneficial for Financial Analysts specializing in the financial applications of particle physics. The course also presents the elementary particles that have been discovered at the tiniest scales ever explored, which would be valuable knowledge for Financial Analysts working in the field of particle physics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice to corporations and governments. This course provides learners with a strong foundation in the Standard Model of particle physics, including the Higgs boson, which would be beneficial for Investment Bankers specializing in the financial applications of particle physics. The course also presents the elementary particles that have been discovered at the tiniest scales ever explored, which would be valuable knowledge for Investment Bankers working in the field of particle physics.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their operations. This course provides learners with an understanding of the experimental techniques used in particle physics, including those used in the discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The course also discusses the consequences of the Higgs boson discovery for physics and cosmology, which would be valuable knowledge for Management Consultants working with clients in the field of particle physics.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course provides learners with an understanding of the experimental techniques used in particle physics, including those used in the discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The course also discusses the consequences of the Higgs boson discovery for physics and cosmology, which would be valuable knowledge for Marketing Managers working with clients in the field of particle physics.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers oversee sales teams and develop sales strategies. This course provides learners with an understanding of the experimental techniques used in particle physics, including those used in the discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The course also discusses the consequences of the Higgs boson discovery for physics and cosmology, which would be valuable knowledge for Sales Managers working with clients in the field of particle physics.

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