{"id":1302,"date":"2025-08-08T13:58:51","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T13:58:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/?p=1302"},"modified":"2026-07-17T10:38:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T10:38:28","slug":"astroparticle-physics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/astroparticle-physics\/","title":{"rendered":"Astroparticle Physics (ASP)"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Academic Team<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Asignaturas-master-49-scaled.png” title_text=”Asignaturas m\u00e1ster (49)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” url=”https:\/\/members.ift.uam-csic.es\/david.cerdeno\/” url_new_window=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Asignaturas-master-50-scaled.png” title_text=”Asignaturas m\u00e1ster (50)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” url=”https:\/\/portalcientifico.uam.es\/es\/ipublic\/researcher\/278939″ url_new_window=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Course Content<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Type: Optional\u2013 PEC&AC Track \u2013 3rd Trimester<\/strong><\/p>\n

This course has been taught in the postgraduate programmes at Madrid Aut\u00f3noma University, Durham University, the University of Valencia (2018), and The Max Planck Institute M\u00fcnchen (2009). It has also been taught (in different formats) in a number of postgraduate schools: Taller de Altas Energ\u00edas (TAE 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019,\u00a02021<\/a>), 1st International School on Particle Physics and Cosmology (UIMP 2019<\/a>), Higgs Centre School of Theoretical Physics (2016<\/a>), STFC HEP School (2015, 2016, 2017).<\/p>\n

Some notes for the course (pdf<\/a>).
\nExercises (pdf<\/a>).
\nExtra exercise (pdf<\/a>).<\/p>\n

1.- Introduction<\/h4>\n

In this session, we present the observational evidence that points towards the existence of dark matter. We introduce the concept of dark matter halo and think about its properties (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n

2.- Cosmology 101<\/h4>\n

A brief reminder of Early Universe Cosmology. Emphasis is put on how to compute the abundance of a given species in equilibrium. The Boltzmann equation that describes the evolution of the number density is derived (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n

3.- Dark Matter Production (Freeze-out)<\/h4>\n

We apply the Boltzmann equation to the case of a non-relativistic DM particle that \u201cfreezes-out\u201d, and define WIMPs (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n

4.- Dark Matter Production (WIMP models and Freeze-in)<\/h4>\n

We study some specific particle realisations of WIMPs (concentrating on simplified models) and study special cases, such as resonant annihilation and co-annihilations. We then introduce a new paradigm, where dark matter with very small couplings \u201cfreezes-in\u201d (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n

5- Axions<\/h4>\n

We review the misalignment mechanism for the production of axions. The cosmological implications are reviewed. We then comment on axion detection.<\/p>\n

6- Direct Detection<\/h4>\n

We show the basics of direct dark matter detection. We derive the equation for the observed detection rate and comment on uncertainties associated to nuclear physics and astrophysical parameters of the dark matter halo (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n

EXERCISES<\/h4>\n

Exercises for the course (solutions available upon request) (pdf<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Extra exercise (pdf)<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Reading List<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Group Theory:
\n1) H. Georgi: \u201cLie Algebras in Particle Physics\u201d,
\n2) H.F. Jones: \u201cGroups, Representations and Physics\u201d
\n3) J.F. Cornwell: \u201cGroup Theory in Physcis\u201d, Vols. 1,2<\/p>\n

Differential Geometry:
\n1) Nash, Sen: \u201cTopology and Geometry for Physicists\u201d
\n2) M. Nakahara: \u201cGeometry, Topology and Physics\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”30px” background_color=”#f1de09″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

All the course information is available on its\u00a0<\/span>website.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Teaching Plan Information<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Asignaturas-master-21-3-scaled.png” title_text=”Asignaturas m\u00e1ster (21)” url=”https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/10I6nmM5j2h8YZ1vCBPlpi3ntNY4_jMsh\/view” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”50%” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” custom_margin=”50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Course Schedule<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Asignaturas-master-20-4-scaled.png” title_text=”Asignaturas m\u00e1ster (20)” url=”https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/15Bq-coa5XtJe_OaXAIcOX7sIqa-gjPqY\/view” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”50%” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Academic TeamCourse ContentType: Optional\u2013 PEC&AC Track \u2013 3rd Trimester This course has been taught in the postgraduate programmes at Madrid Aut\u00f3noma University, Durham University, the University of Valencia (2018), and The Max Planck Institute M\u00fcnchen (2009). It has also been taught (in different formats) in a number of postgraduate schools: Taller de Altas Energ\u00edas (TAE […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

Academic Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Course Content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Type: Optional\u2013 PEC&AC Track \u2013 3rd Trimeste<\/strong>r<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This course has been taught in the postgraduate programmes at Madrid Aut\u00f3noma University, Durham University, the University of Valencia (2018), and The Max Planck Institute M\u00fcnchen (2009). It has also been taught (in different formats) in a number of postgraduate schools: Taller de Altas Energ\u00edas (TAE 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021<\/a>), 1st International School on Particle Physics and Cosmology (UIMP 2019<\/a>), Higgs Centre School of Theoretical Physics (2016<\/a>), STFC HEP School (2015, 2016, 2017).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some notes for the course (pdf<\/a>).
Exercises (pdf<\/a>).
Extra exercise (pdf<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.- Introduction<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

In this session, we present the observational evidence that points towards the existence of dark matter. We introduce the concept of dark matter halo and think about its properties (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.- Cosmology 101<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

A brief reminder of Early Universe Cosmology. Emphasis is put on how to compute the abundance of a given species in equilibrium. The Boltzmann equation that describes the evolution of the number density is derived (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.- Dark Matter Production (Freeze-out)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

We apply the Boltzmann equation to the case of a non-relativistic DM particle that \u201cfreezes-out\u201d, and define WIMPs (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.- Dark Matter Production (WIMP models and Freeze-in)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

We study some specific particle realisations of WIMPs (concentrating on simplified models) and study special cases, such as resonant annihilation and co-annihilations. We then introduce a new paradigm, where dark matter with very small couplings \u201cfreezes-in\u201d (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5- Axions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

We review the misalignment mechanism for the production of axions. The cosmological implications are reviewed. We then comment on axion detection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6- Direct Detection<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

We show the basics of direct dark matter detection. We derive the equation for the observed detection rate and comment on uncertainties associated to nuclear physics and astrophysical parameters of the dark matter halo (slides<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EXERCISES<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Exercises for the course (solutions available upon request) (pdf<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra exercise (pdf)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reading List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Group Theory:
1) H. Georgi: \u201cLie Algebras in Particle Physics\u201d,
2) H.F. Jones: \u201cGroups, Representations and Physics\u201d
3) J.F. Cornwell: \u201cGroup Theory in Physcis\u201d, Vols. 1,2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differential Geometry:
1) Nash, Sen: \u201cTopology and Geometry for Physicists\u201d
2) M. Nakahara: \u201cGeometry, Topology and Physics\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the course information is available on its website.<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Teaching Plan Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Course Schedule
<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[20,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1302","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-common-courses","category-optional"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1302","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1302"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1302\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2365,"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1302\/revisions\/2365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1302"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1302"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.ift.uam-csic.es\/master\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1302"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}