SH2204 Astroparticle Physics 7.5 credits

The course gives a solid foundation in Astroparticle Physics, with a particular focus on the
experimental aspects.

• Overview of the concepts of particle physics
• Cosmology: Big Bang, cosmic microwave background, content and dynamics of the Universe
• Cosmic rays: galactic, production and acceleration, detection
• Neutrino astrophysics: stellar neutrinos, high energy neutrinos, atmospheric, detection
• Dark matter: dark matter candidates, experiments
• Nucleosynthesis in the Big Bang and in supernovae
• Detection techniques: Cosmic rays, high-energy photons, polarization, benefits of
  multimessenger approach
• Outlook and connection to other research fields

After completing this course, students should be able to:

• Classify the fundamental subatomic particles by their possible interactions.
• Explain how ‘particle probes’ can open a new window on the universe compared to
  observations using electromagnetic radiation.
• Explain how particles can be detected and their properties determined, and appreciate the
  limitations of different detection techniques.
• Identify the astrophysical observations which motivate the key features of the current
  cosmological models.
• Calculate parameters for the expansion of the universe in radiation- and matter-dominated
  epochs and compare this with observational data
• Describe results that give evidence for the existence of dark matter, and hypothesize over the
  possible particle candidates for dark matter in the universe.
• Experimentally confirm the existence of dark matter through radio telescope observations
• Perform dimensional analysis to define relationships between physical variables in astrophysical
  systems.
• Interpret data from figures published in the scientific literature and use this to perform calculations and develop conclusions.
• Reflect on the current ‘open questions’ in astroparticle physics and the experiments planned to address these issues.

Subatomic physics (SH2103), or equivalent.

English B / English 6

SH2103 subatomic physics, or equivalent.

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

• INL1 - Home Assignments, 5.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• LAB1 - Laboratory, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• PRO1 - Seminar, 1.5 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.

Home assignments (5 hp)

Seminar (1.5 hp)

Laboratory (1 hp)

Josefin Larsson

• 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.