Introduction to the Physics of the Cosmos
Code: 44078 ECTS Credits: 6| Degree | Type | Year | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4313861 High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology | OB | 0 | 1 |
Contact
- Name:
- Jordi Isern Vilaboy
- Email:
- Jordi.Isern.Vilaboy@uab.cat
Use of Languages
- Principal working language:
- english (eng)
Teachers
- Enrique Gaztañaga Balbas
- Francisco Javier Castander Serentill
- Josep Maria Trigo Rodríguez
- Oriol Pujolas Boix
Prerequisites
None
Objectives and Contextualisation
The course is intended to provide students with a complete and thorough introductory course to Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology, who should be able to use such knowledge as a solid basis for the following more specialized courses. Since it is a transversal course for all students who choose the specific programs on High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology, it provides basic knowledge on the alternative itinerary the student has not chosen. Finally, since students come from different academic backgrounds, this course tends to unify and balance out the students’ academic skills and abilities.
Competences
- Continue the learning process, to a large extent autonomously
- Understand the basics in the main areas of high energy physics, astrophysics and cosmology
- Use acquired knowledge as a basis for originality in the application of ideas, often in a research context.
- Use mathematics to describe the physical world, select the appropriate equations, construct adequate models, interpret mathematical results and make critical comparisons with experimentation and observation.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the basics of astrophysics: coordinates, distances, magnitudes.
- Understand the basics of astrophysics: structure and evolution of stars and galaxies.
- Understand the basics of cosmology: distance ladder, expansion of the universe.
- Understand the basics of cosmology: large scale structure.
- Understand the basics of particle physics: cross sections, relativistic kinematics.
- Understand the basics of particle physics: symmetries and interactions.
- Use group theory to understand the SU(2) and SU(3) symmetries in hadrons.
- Use online, English bibliographic tools to get more detailed information about the content of the course.
Content
Outline of the Course General
Introduction to Particle Physics Mass, spin and Poincaré group
Relativistic kinematics
Interaction amplitudes and cross section
Discrete symmetries
Continuous symmetries
Hadrons and the Quark Model
General concepts of Astronomy
Structure and evolution of stars and planets
Structure and evolution of galaxies
Introduction to General Relativity
Introduction to Cosmology
Methodology
Theory lectures and exercises.
Class-work and Homework
Activities
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Theory Lectures | 45 | 1.8 | 2, 1, 3, 5, 8 |
| Type: Supervised | |||
| Study of theoretical foundations | 45 | 1.8 | 2, 1, 3, 5, 8 |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Discussion, work groups, group exercises | 45 | 1.8 | 2, 1, 3, 5, 8 |
Assessment
One exam on High Energy Physics and on Astrophysics/Cosmology (fifty fifty weighted)
One homework on High Energy Physics
One homework on Astrophysics/Cosmology
Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homework Astrophysics and Cosmology | 25% | 6 | 0.24 | 4, 2, 1, 3, 8 |
| Homework on High Energy Physics | 25% | 6 | 0.24 | 6, 5, 8 |
| Written exam (multiquestion test) | 50% | 3 | 0.12 | 4, 6, 2, 1, 3, 5, 7 |
Bibliography
"Particle Physics" - Third Edition, B. R. Martin and G. Shaw, Wiley and Sons 2008
"Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell" A. Zee, Princeton University Press 2003
"The Standard Model: A Primer", C. P. Burgess and G. D. Moore, CUP 2007
"An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory", M. E. Peskin and D. V. Schroeder, Addison-Wesley 1995
“An introduction to modern astrophysics” D A Ostlie, BW Carroll CUP 2017
“Introduction to paticle and astroparticle physics” A. de Angelis, M. Pimenta Springer 2018
"Physical Foundations of Cosmology" V. Mukhanov, CUP 2005