PHY7097

PHY7097 Topics in Astroparticle Physics

Fall Term 2005

Time and place: Tuesday 11:15-12:30 and Thursday 11:15-12:30, New Physics Building 2205.

Instructor: Laura Baudis, NPB 2370, lbaudis@ufl.edu, tel: 392 9717.

Exams and homework: there will be no exams/homeworks. Each student will be assigned (during our first meeting) a final project which she/he will present to the class in about 45 min during the second half of the semester. After the presentation, there will be a 15 min questions&answers session.

Office hours: Tuesdays, period 7 and 8 (1:55-3:50) or by appointment via email.

Textbook: there is no single textbook covering all the topics we will discuss adequately. Particle astrophysics is a very rapidly evolving field! Some recommended books and review articles can be found by clicking on the link provided at the left.

Prerequisites: none, although GR and some knowledge of particle physics and astrophyics will be very helpful.

Synopsis: the field is vast, and since the course goes over one semester only, a strong selection is needed. After an introduction to the standard model of cosmology and the standard model of particle physics, we will cover dark matter evidence and distribution (from galactic scales to the largest structures observed), dark matter candidates (from astrophysics and particle physics) with emphasis on experimental techniques and data analysis methods, neutrinos (oscillations, direct mass measurements, double beta decay), cosmic ray experiments, high-energy gamma astronomy and finally particle physics in stars (stellar evolution, H, He burning, and stellar collapse). For a more detailed list on the lecture content, visit the link provided at the left.

Grading: the final grade will be based on the oral presentation and on classroom participation.For details please see the 'assessment' link on the left.

Holidays (no classes): November 24 (Thanksgiving)

last updated: August 26, 2005, by Laura Baudis