- Introduction to standard cosmology [8h]
- Boltzmann equations in the expanding universe: BBN and recombination [8h]
- Introduction to Dark Matter: models and searches [16h]
- Inflation [8h]
- Cosmological phase transitions and gravitational waves[4h]
- Baryogenesis [4h]
- “The Early Universe”, E. Kolb and M. Turner
- “Modern Cosmology”, S. Dodelson
- “Cosmology”, S. Weinberg
Learning Objectives
Learn the basics of standard cosmology. Introduction to the theoretical basis of inflation, dark matter and baryogenesis and cosmological phase transitions
Prerequisites
Knowledge of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Introduction to General Relativity, introduction to particle physics and quantum field theory.
Teaching Methods
Classroom lessons
Type of Assessment
The exam is conducted orally, at the chalkboard, and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Initially, the results of a project of an analytical or partially numerical nature are discussed. This project consists of a series of problems assigned to the student in advance. Subsequently, a traditional oral exam covers the entire course curriculum, where the discussion of two main topics is required. More specific questions may be asked during the presentation of these topics to better assess the student's level of understanding. The student is expected to use appropriate language, demonstrating their comprehension of the subject matter. Additionally, they should be capable of performing simple calculations of orders of magnitude and fully developing the mathematical model wherever it has been presented during the lectures.
Course program
Introduction to Standard Cosmology [8h]
• The observables Universe: homogenous and isotropic FRW metric
• The expanding Universe: Friedman equations and Friedman-Robertson-Walker metric
• Initial conditions: introduction to the theory of inflation and to the primordial quantum fluctuations
• Reheating process (Hot Big Bang)
Boltzmann equations in the expanding universe [8h]
• Thermodynamics and entropy of the Universe
• Derivation of Boltzmann equations in FRW .
• Out-of-equilibrium: Big Bang Nucleo-synthesis, Recombination
Dark Matter [16h]
• Evidences for Dark Matter
• Thermal relics: freeze-out
• Dark Matter models
• Direct, Indirect and collider searches for Dark Matter
• Non-thermal Dark Matter (axions)
Inflation [8h]
• Introduction to the problems of standard cosmology
• Slow-roll inflation and reheating
• Introduction to the theory of quantum fluctuations of the inflaton
• Gravitational Waves from inflation
• Experimental limits on slow-roll inflation from the CMB
Cosmological phase transitions and gravitational waves [4h]
• First order phase transitions in cosmology
• First order phase transitions at finite temperature
• Graviational waves from phase transitions
Baryogenesis [4h]
• Generation of particle asymmetries (Sakharov's conditions)
• Electroweak baryogenesis: Higgs potential at finite temperature
• Leptogenesis: right-handed neutrinos decay and sphalerons