Astroparticle Physics

6 EC

Semester 2, period 4

5354ASPH6Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator prof. dr. G. Bertone
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track Astronomy and Astrophysics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2020/2021

Course content

This course will focus on the exciting and rapidly evolving fields of astroparticle physics and multimessenger astronomy. We will discuss the use of photons, cosmic-rays, neutrinos and gravitational waves as 'messengers' of extreme astrophysical environments. We will start by discussing the theory underlying the acceleration of high-energy photons, cosmic-rays and neutrinos in astrophysics. We will then discuss the particle physics and astrophysical processes affecting the propagation of these particles in the universe, and the observational techniques that allow us to detect them on Earth, in space, and underground. Finally, we will the prospects for constraining/identifying dark matter and dark energy by combining information from a variety of cosmic messengers, including gravitational waves. 

Study materials

Literature

  • The lecturer will provide lecture notes and slides. The books "High Energy Astrophysics" by M. Longair (3rd edition, published in 2011), and "Astroparticle Physics" by C. Grupen (2nd edition published in 2020, NOT the 1st edition published in 2005) are recommended for students who want to go deeper, but not compulsory.

     

Other

  • Recommended prior knowledge: The BSc courses "Black holes and Compact Stars" and "Standard Model of Elementary Particles" are recommended. The MSc Physics and Astronomy "Particle Physics I", "General Relativity" and especially "Cosmology" are strongly recommended, albeit not compulsory, as they provide very useful background and context. 

Objectives

  • The objective of this course is to introduce students in the field of astroparticle physics both in theory and in relation with key-experiments.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Seminar
  • Self-study
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis

Lectures and tutorials: provide an overview of the field. The students are also requested to write a short summary/essay on a recent paper in the literature. Two suggestions for papers will be provided. 

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

  

Class

28

  

Exam

3

  

Essay writing

16

  

Assignment class

28

  

Self study

93

  

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article A-1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    1 (100%)

    Tentamen

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

    Timetable

    The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • prof. dr. G. Bertone