Particle Physics for Beginners – the Strong and Weak Interactions
The Strong and Weak interactions are essential to the structure of matter. In this course we will discover how the representation of these interactions in modern theoretical physics can be understood in clear, accessible terms
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Currently we know of four fundamental interactions in nature. Of these, we experience directly the Gravitational and Electromagnetic interactions. However, the other two interactions, known as the Strong and Weak interactions, are essential to the structure of matter. In this course we explore the physics of these two interactions, how the strong interaction binds the components of the atomic nucleus together, and how the weak force allows these bonds to be broken, for example in beta decay. We discover what “colour” means in the context of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), and learn that at least two (the electroweak) and quite possibly all four of these interactions were once unified in the high energy conditions of the early universe.
What will we cover?
Session 1 - Strong Interaction
- The QCD depiction of the Strong interaction between quarks mediated by gluons
- Colour confinement, asymptotic freedom and chiral symmetry breaking
Session 2 - Weak Interaction
- Changing the flavour of quarks and leptons
- Unifying the Weak and Electromagnetic interactions
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Describe the quantum chromodynamics model of the Strong interaction
Identify the core concepts of colour confinement, asymptotic freedom and chiral symmetry breaking
Recognise how the Weak interaction changes the flavour of quarks and leptons
Describe how the Weak and Electromagnetic interactions are unified
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for complete beginners/those with a curiosity about the topic. Key terms will be explained as we encounter them in the class.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught via a series of lectures.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see the Nature and Science area on the website (currently under Humanities)
Dr. Gary Retallick Mathematics and Science Gary obtained his Phd in Philosophy of Physics from Kings College London in 2006. His thesis explored the physics of time, touching upon relativity, field equations, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and metaphysics. Gary began his teaching career in computing, going on to teach philosophy for the WEA and Mary Ward Centre, and physics and mathematics at both Birkbeck College London and the Open University. He currently teaches various science related courses, spanning topics in physics, chemistry and mathematics, at City Lit. Languages - Cornish Aside from his career in Science, Gary has an ongoing interest in languages, in particular Cornish, the language of his ancestors. He began studying Cornish at City Lit in 1998, and after passing the grade three Cornish exam with distinction he started to assist his tutor, Jo P'rhys. After a number of years as language assistant to the class, Gary was formally appointed as teacher of the Cornish beginners class, allowing Jo to concentrate on the higher level classes. Gary now teaches both the beginners and lower intermediate classes.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/particle-physics-for-beginners-the-strong-and-weak-interactions3062662Particle Physics for Beginners – the Strong and Weak Interactionshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/physics-HS160-1024.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Physics/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature22851211124116661228512111666<p>The Strong and Weak interactions are essential to the structure of matter. In this course we will discover how the representation of these interactions in modern theoretical physics can be understood in clear, accessible terms</p>003062647Particle Physics for Beginners – the Strong and Weak Interactions7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/physics-HS160-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-10-31T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Business, marketing & technologyHS3697979Particle Physics for Beginners – the Strong and Weak Interactions635179Gary Retallickparticle-physics-for-beginners-the-strong-and-weak-interactions/hs369-2627<p>The Strong and Weak interactions are essential to the structure of matter. In this course we will discover how the representation of these interactions in modern theoretical physics can be understood in clear, accessible terms</p>0000-Available|2026-10-31 00:00:00<p>Currently we know of four fundamental interactions in nature. Of these, we experience directly the Gravitational and Electromagnetic interactions. However, the other two interactions, known as the Strong and Weak interactions, are essential to the structure of matter. In this course we explore the physics of these two interactions, how the strong interaction binds the components of the atomic nucleus together, and how the weak force allows these bonds to be broken, for example in beta decay. We discover what “colour” means in the context of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), and learn that at least two (the electroweak) and quite possibly all four of these interactions were once unified in the high energy conditions of the early universe.</p><p>The Strong and Weak interactions are essential to the structure of matter. In this course we will discover how the representation of these interactions in modern theoretical physics can be understood in clear, accessible terms</p><p><strong>Session 1 - Strong Interaction</strong></p><p>- The QCD depiction of the Strong interaction between quarks mediated by gluons</p><p>- Colour confinement, asymptotic freedom and chiral symmetry breaking</p><p><strong>Session 2 - Weak Interaction</strong></p><p>- Changing the flavour of quarks and leptons</p><p>- Unifying the Weak and Electromagnetic interactions</p><p>Describe the quantum chromodynamics model of the Strong interaction</p><p>Identify the core concepts of colour confinement, asymptotic freedom and chiral symmetry breaking</p><p>Recognise how the Weak interaction changes the flavour of quarks and leptons</p><p>Describe how the Weak and Electromagnetic interactions are unified</p><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners/those with a curiosity about the topic. Key terms will be explained as we encounter them in the class.</p><p>The course will be taught via a series of lectures.</p><p>No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.</p><p>Please see the Nature and Science area on the website (currently under Humanities) </p>Science & naturePhysicsvirtual637951HS369NONESat31/10/26 - 07/11/2610:30 - 13:0010:3013:002 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetGary RetallickBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-31T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Business, marketing & technology7979Particle Physics for Beginners – the Strong and Weak Interactionsparticle-physics-for-beginners-the-strong-and-weak-interactions/hs369-2627<p>The Strong and Weak interactions are essential to the structure of matter. In this course we will discover how the representation of these interactions in modern theoretical physics can be understood in clear, accessible terms</p>0000-Available|2026-10-31 00:00:00<p>Currently we know of four fundamental interactions in nature. Of these, we experience directly the Gravitational and Electromagnetic interactions. However, the other two interactions, known as the Strong and Weak interactions, are essential to the structure of matter. In this course we explore the physics of these two interactions, how the strong interaction binds the components of the atomic nucleus together, and how the weak force allows these bonds to be broken, for example in beta decay. We discover what “colour” means in the context of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), and learn that at least two (the electroweak) and quite possibly all four of these interactions were once unified in the high energy conditions of the early universe.</p><p>The Strong and Weak interactions are essential to the structure of matter. In this course we will discover how the representation of these interactions in modern theoretical physics can be understood in clear, accessible terms</p><p><strong>Session 1 - Strong Interaction</strong></p><p>- The QCD depiction of the Strong interaction between quarks mediated by gluons</p><p>- Colour confinement, asymptotic freedom and chiral symmetry breaking</p><p><strong>Session 2 - Weak Interaction</strong></p><p>- Changing the flavour of quarks and leptons</p><p>- Unifying the Weak and Electromagnetic interactions</p><p>Describe the quantum chromodynamics model of the Strong interaction</p><p>Identify the core concepts of colour confinement, asymptotic freedom and chiral symmetry breaking</p><p>Recognise how the Weak interaction changes the flavour of quarks and leptons</p><p>Describe how the Weak and Electromagnetic interactions are unified</p><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners/those with a curiosity about the topic. Key terms will be explained as we encounter them in the class.</p><p>The course will be taught via a series of lectures.</p><p>No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.</p><p>Please see the Nature and Science area on the website (currently under Humanities) </p>Science & naturePhysicsconfigurable
