Module description
Module description
Dark matter and dark energy make up 95% of the energy contents of the Universe. This course takes a research and literature-focused view, covering astrophysics and theoretical physics, with a coding element. We begin with astrophysical and cosmological evidence for dark matter and dark energy, from rotation curves of galaxies, gravitational lensing, and the large scale structure of the Universe. We then focus on theories of dark matter including WIMPs, axions, and primordial black holes. Each of these types of dark matter can be searched for, and the main channels of direct and indirect detection are introduced
Learning aims & outcomes
Aims: to understand the observational evidence for dark matter and dark energy, theories for these phenomena, and how to test these theories experimentally. To critically engage with the scientific literature, and produce research quality writing and figures. To gain an appreciation for modern research into fundamental theory and the scientific method.
After successfully completing this module, students will be able to:
• Describe the mathematical formulation of the evidence for, theories of, and constraints on, dark matter.
• Analyse the three main competing theories of dark matter (WIMPs, axions, and primordial black holes) and compare and contrast these theories based on experimental methodologies and astrophysical features.
• Explain the development of evidence for dark matter over recent history, and the corresponding development and testing of theories.
• Use jupyter notebooks to numerically solve differential equations.
• Use jupyter notebooks to produce professional quality scientific figures.
• Create a research-quality piece of scientific writing and thus express scientific opinions and communicate ideas professionally.
• Critically assess interdisciplinary scientific literature about theory and experiment, integrating your knowledge of physics across many areas, from cosmology to the laboratory.
• Learn how to do independent study of the literature by identifying sources and resources, and through this engage with scientific values.
After successfully completing this module, students will have a good understanding of how we measure the properties of dark matter and dark energy. They will learn a great deal about different properties dark matter, how we measure them in the Universe and how we re-produce them in different theoretical scenarios in particle physics. Students will be exposed to high-level theories, including general relativity, supersymmetry, quantum chromodynamics, and inflation, and the context these theories give to the study of dark matter.
Pre-requisites
Recommended: Students are expected to have some knowledge of special relativity, electrodynamics, classical mechanics and statistical physics. Particle physics comparable to the UG 3rd year particle physics module 6CCP3241 Particle Physics and cosmology comparable to 6CCP3630 General Relativity and Cosmology, or equivalent are desirable.
Assessment details
Summative assessment
Please note: module assessment may be subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact ug-physics@kcl.ac.uk
Teaching pattern
3 hours lectures, 2-hour coding lab.