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FYTN11: Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, 7.5 credits

given by the Department of Astronomy and Theoretical Physics. Lectures are given by Roman Pasechnik.

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General information

This is a 7.5 hp Master/PhD course in Theoretical Physics at Lund University with the main focus on fundamental concepts of Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology. The course aims to give students the basic knowledge on theoretical foundations of Particle Astrophysics and the Universe evolution with a focus on a deep interconnection between cosmology and particle physics, The course intends to cover the major aspects of the Hot Big Bang theory and the Standard Cosmological Model at the forefront of theoretical and experimental high energy astroparticle physics.

Semester: autumn
Study period: 2
Level: master
Language: English
Form of teaching: blackboard lectures
and problem-solving sessions
Assessment: written and oral examination
Grading scale: U-G-VG
Application: through antagning.se

The official description of the course contents and requirements can be found here, and a translation into English can be found here. It contains information about prerequisites, learning goals, etc.

Prerequisites

Prior knowledge of particle physics (an introductory course in particle physics or equivalent) is required. The prior knowledge of the general relativity is recommended. Rigorous junior-level knowledge in calculus and linear algebra is required.

Course book

The course is mainly based on the following book:

- D. Gorbunov and V. Rubakov Introduction to the Theory of the Early Universe: Hot Big Bang Theory, World Scientific 2011.

As side-literature, any of the following books is recommended:

- L. Bergström and A. Goobar Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics, 2nd edition, Praxis/Springer, 2003
- G. F. R. Ellis, R. Maartens and M. A. H. MacCallum Relativistic Cosmology, Cambridge University Press, 2012
- H. Klapdor-Kleingrothaus and K. Zuber Particle Astrophysics, IoP Publishing Ltd. 2000.

Problem-solving sessions

There will be 3 problem-solving sessions. You will be divided into groups and given a list of problems, which you should (attempt to) solve and then discuss at the sessions. Attending the problem-solving sessions is not compulsory, but highly recommended. Upon request, additional problem-solving sessions can be arranged.

Exam

The examination consists of two parts - written and oral exams. The written exam concerns solving three sets of take-home exercises and timely handing them in by the respective deadline and being passed on those. Passing all three sets of exercises is necessary to be admitted for the final (oral) examination. A passing level on a given set of exercises means that, at least, 70% of exercises are correctly solved. The oral exam is the most crucial part and tests the understanding of theoretical foundations of cosmology and astroparticle physics. The final grade is derived based on your performance at the oral exam only.

There is a list of typical oral exam questions.

Contacts

Responsible lecturer Roman Pasechnik, phone 046-2223192. In the case of any questions, do not hesitate to send an e-mail.

Introductory Meetings

Information about the compulsory introductory meetings can be found hereLinks to an external site..