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Physics 3790: Particle Astrophysics
Spring 2017
- Textbook:
D. Perkins: "Particle Astrophysics," 2nd edition
- Further reading:
E. Kolb and M. Turner: "The Early Universe"
- Prerequisites: Graduate core courses
- Lectures: TH 2:30-3:45pm (300 OEH)
Course description
This class is tailored to the wide audience of graduate students as a detailed survey of the interplay between astrophysics, particle and nuclear physics and cosmology. A familiarity with quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics is assumed. Topics covered: A short introduction of the Standard Model of particle physics and its symmetries, early universe cosmology, thermal history, Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, baryogenesis. Dark matter, its interpretation, and methods for its detection. Dark energy, cosmic microwave background and structure formation.The recommended textbook by Perkins will adequately most of the class content, but additional material will be presented in the lecture for some chapters. Thus class attendance is very important. Since this is an advanced graduate course, students are also expected to consult additional resources besides the standard textbook.
Homework
Homework is an essential part of learning the material of this course. Homework will be assigned each week on Thursday and collected next week on Thursday. You are encouraged to discuss the homework problems with each other after you have tried them to the best of your ability, but you cannot copy the solutions from each other. The homework assignments and solutions will be available for download on CourseWeb.Some of the homework problems will be discussed in class (after they have been graded and returned). For this purpose I will occiasionally pick one student at random to present her/his solution on the board. In this way, you can learn from each other's solutions, and also practice your presentation skills.