FSH3110 Experimental Cosmic Radiation Physics 7.5 credits

A selection of topics from contemporary experimental cosmic ray physics, including:

• Balloon and satellite-based instrumentation for cosmic ray studies
• Studying cosmic rays on ground with detector networks and air fluorescence
• Cosmic gamma-rays
• Cosmic neutrinos
• Studies of antimatter in space
• Cosmic ray composition studies
• Cosmic ray astronomy with ultra-high energy cosmic rays

After completing this course, the student should have:

• Identified three aspects of contemporary cosmic ray physics which they wish to study in detail.
• Presented the results of their studies in the form of three research seminars to the KTH particle and astroparticle research group.
• Been able to discuss any questions arising during the seminar.
• Submitted one of the ‘research seminar’ topics as a written report in English and been able to discuss and expand upon the contents of the report during a subsequent oral examination.  

This course is primarily designed for students performing doctoral studies in experimental astroparticle physics or experimental particle physics. The course may also be of interest to doctoral students studying experimental nuclear physics. Other doctoral students should discuss their participation in the course with the course examiner.

Examples of literature:

• Research reports published in scientific journals.
• Published contributions from international conferences, eg The International Cosmic Ray Conference (‘ICRC’) series.
• Cosmic rays and particle physics, T.K. Gaisser, CUP (1991).
• High energy cosmic rays, T. Stanev, Springer-Verlag (2003).

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• RAP1 - Report, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• SEM1 - Seminars, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Oral exam, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

• Three oral presentations (‘seminars’) of topics chosen from the literature sources listed below. The topics should be agreed in advance with the course examiner. Each seminar is 60 minutes long and will be advertised to members of the KTH particle and astroparticle research group. The student is expected to be able to actively discuss any questions arising from the seminar (3 credits).
• A written report (8-10 A4 pages, 11 pt, including figures) on one of the seminar topics, followed by an oral examination of the submitted material. During the oral examination the students should be able to discuss and expand upon the contents of the report.(2 credits).

Mark Pearce

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.