1. Course Description
Astronomers have found considerable evidence that "dark matter" contributes some 80% of the mass in the universe. Particle physicists have identified various hypothetical particles that might constitute the dark matter. There are many dark matter models that are consistent with existing data but make some different predictions that can be tested now and in the next few years. In this seminar we will examine the range of astronomical observations and physics experiments that are being used to probe the nature of dark matter. We aim to consider dark matter from both astrophysics and particle physics perspectives, in an approach accessible to graduate students from both sides of the aisle.This course will have a reading/seminar format. We will meet weekly to discuss a few important papers on a specific topic. Students will be assigned to lead the discussion each week. Each student will also give a final presentation in class toward the end of the semester.
Auditors are welcome to read the papers and participate in class discussions. Depending on the enrollment, official auditors may be encouraged or even expected to lead some discussions.
2. Instructor and Venue
Prof. Chuck Keeton Room 305, Serin Physics Building, Busch Campus Email: keeton at physics.rutgers.edu Phone: 732-445-5500 x5742Class: Thursdays 1:40-4:40 in Serin 401.
Office hours: by appointment, or just look for me.
3. Format and Grading
Each week we will read 2-4 scientific papers. Everyone is expected to read the papers, and certain people will be assigned to lead the discussion. You will prepare a journal-club style presentation using an appropriate mix of slides and whiteboard. The presentation should place the paper(s) in context, explain the basic physics involved, highlight the main results, and critically assess the conclusions. It should be designed to last 15-30 minutes depending on the length of the paper, so that with discussion we spend ~30-60 minutes on each paper.
As discussion leaders, you will help pick the papers we read. You should have some papers in mind by the week before your class, because we will spend some time at the end of each class choosing the next week's reading. Also, you must go over your presentations with me by 4pm on the Tuesday before your class so I can provide feedback.
Everyone is expected to attend and participate in class. To facilitate the discussion, please post at least two questions about the reading to the wiki before class. I will consider both the discussion itself and the posted questions as part of the class participation component of the grade. If you know you need to miss a class, please talk to me in advance.
The last two sessions (Dec. 2 and 9) will be devoted to final presentations. We will discuss details later, but the key point is that final presentations will be somewhat longer and should draw on multiple literature sources to give a synthesis analysis. I will also ask you to write up your final presentation as a paper. The paper should have the form of a research article: abstract, introduction, main body, conclusions, and references. (Use figures--with attribution--as appropriate.) Draft papers will be due on Dec. 2 so that I can provide comments. Final papers will be due on Dec. 16.
Course grades will be based on the following factors:
- class participation (40%)
- seminar presentations (30%)
- final presentation (15%) and paper (15%)
4. Course Wiki
We will use a wiki to keep track of the schedule, organize material, etc. I will send out invitations to join the wiki.5. Students with Disabilities
Click here for more information.6. Rutgers Policy on Academic Integrity
The Rutgers policy on academic integrity can be found at http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/integrity.shtml.
