Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title NEUTRINOS AND DARK MATTER
Code PHYS492
Coordinator Professor NK McCauley
Physics
N.McCauley@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

To build on PHYS377 to provide an understanding of neutrino physics and dark matter, including key experimental methods used in their detection.  To provide an understanding of the low background experimental techniques that underpin both areas


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Understand neutrino physics including spin, flavour, neutrino oscillations, sterile neutrinos,  neutrinoless double beta decay, dirac and majorana neutrinos, leptogenisis and cosmic neutrinos

(LO2) Understand dark matter including evidence, DM models including WMPS and axions, direct detection, indirect detection, DM detection at colliders

(LO3) Understand low background experimental techniques including, underground laboratories, cosmic muons, Th chains and K, Radon, Spallation and activation, neutrons


Syllabus

 

Syllabus 1. How to detect rare "low energy" interactions 2. Neutrinos in the standard model of particle physics 3. Neutrino Oscillations 4. Models of neutrino mass and leptogenesis 5. Neutrinoless double beta decay 6. Neutrino from Supernova and other extra-terrestrial sources 7. Evidence for Dark Matter 8. Dark Matter Models 9. Direct detection experiments 10. Indirect and collider searches


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lecture
Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials

The module will be delivered remotely in 2021. Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE. The module will have regular synchronous sessions in active learning mode.
We are planning no changes to module content compared to previous years, and expect students to spend a similar amount of time-on-task compared to previous years. These changes will mainly constitute a rebalancing of hours from scheduled directed learning hours to unscheduled directed learning hours as students will have some flexibility as to when they access asynchronous materials.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     2

    16

18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
time-controlled online examination  90 minutes on task    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
continuous assessment literature review      40       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.