Precision Standard Model probes with the LHCb experiment

The LHCb experiment at the Large Hadron Collider is designed to make precision measurements of particle production in the forward region. The thesis will focus on testing Standard Model predictions in the electroweak sector by measuring the forward-backward asymmetry of muons produced by Z bosons. Measurements of this asymmetry can be used to extract a fundamental parameter of the model known as the weak mixing angle. The two current best determinations of the angle disagree by over three standard deviations, and measurements at the LHC are vital to understand if the discrepancy is due to new physics or experimental effects. Studies have shown that, due to the increased sensitivity of the forward region, LHCb is capable of making the most precise determination of the angle at the LHC. The thesis will focus on developing novel methods to determine the weak mixing angle and measure it in LHCb data.