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
- notes
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
Further information
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Type of Assessment
oral or written exam
Course program
Introduction to Standard Cosmology [8h]
• The observables Universe: isotropia e omogeneit`a, densit`a di energia, abbondanza elementi
• 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