Admission requirements
Recommended Origin and Structure of the Standard Model and Origin and Evolution of the Universe
Description
This course will discuss how particle physics defines physics of the early universe, the subsequent cosmological scenario and the current state of the universe. Starting with basics of the Standard Model of particle physics (SM), we will see how the whole intricate structure of this theory exhibits itself in a hot and dense, quickly expanding universe. We will demonstrate that this allows to use astrophysical and cosmological observational data to check the SM. The next part will discuss the shortcomings of the Standard Model and different approaches to resolve them, as well as implications of this beyond the SM physics for the early universe (most importantly: the nature of dark matter, dark energy, mechanisms of baryogenesis and inflation).
Topics:
Primoridal nucleosynthesis and big bang theory
Neutrinos in the early univrese and relic neutrinos at present epoch
Dark matter: evidence, DM particles, massive neutrinos as dark matter.
Neutrino masses, mixing angle, CP violation
DM as beyond the SM physics. Possible properties of non-SM DM particles: WIMPs, super-WIMPs, axions
Basic ideas of effective field theory and the structure of the Standard Model of particle physics.
Neutrino masses as BSM physics
The problem of baryogenesis. Baryogenesis as a beyond SM phenomenon
An overview of various beyond SM scenarios and their implications for cosmology.
Course objectives
The course will give an overview of cosmological observations, which are interested for particle physics. Students will obtain practical knowledge in relativistic quantum mechanics, BBN, neutrino physics, dark matter properties calculation.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- make a relation between mathematical models and physical systems, in both directions.
Schedule
The timetables are available through My Timetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
See Brightspace
Assesment method
The final grade will be determined as follows:
Homework (40%)
Final exam (60%)
Resit, review & feedback
Examinations are held twice during the academic year for each component offered in that academic year. Midterm tests cannot be retaken. The Board of Examiners determines the manner of resit for practical assignments.
For review and feedback, see Brightspace.
Reading list
Introduction to the Theory of the Early Universe: Hot Big Bang Theory by D.Gorbunov & V.Rubakov, World Scientific, 2010
Principles of physical cosmology by P.J.E. Peebles, Princeton University Press, 1993, -http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-ph/0004188 by J.Garcia-Bellido
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap (button in upper right corner) is mandatory. General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar).
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.