Physics 689: Special Topics in Astrophysics
Overview and Course Description
This course will focus on topics in near field cosmology, i.e., the use of local galaxies to interpret our cosmological model (and specifically, the dark matter model). We will learn how local galaxies are used to interpret dark matter properties, using dynamical and chemical studies. Most homeworks will focus on numerical techniques to explore the covered topics. Problems with Cold Dark Matter will be discussed in detail, and predictions from other dark matter models will be examined.
Anticipated structure of the course: Each week focuses on a particular topic (see the syllabus link), and in most weeks there will be anywhere from 1 to 3 papers related to the topic. Although some topics will require a full two days of lecture/discussion, some will not, and we will discuss the related papers in the remaining time (on Fridays).
Instructor and Venue
Prof. Alyson Brooks
email: abrooks [at] physics.rutgers.edu
office: 306 Serin
office hours: by appointment
This course will be held in person (though see COVID-19 protocols).
Room: ARC 108
Tues/Fri 9:00-10:20 am
Class Format and Grading
Grades will be based on lectures (presumably two topics per student during the semester) at 65%, and participation in paper discussions at 35%.
The course will be run as a lecture/discussion, with students taking turn leading the lectures. Based on enrollment, I anticipate that each student will lead two topics. My hope is that each of you will choose two topics that you wish to learn about in more depth. I will be your primary resource for planning the lecture. Please schedule a time to meet with me to go over the lecture content. This meeting should occur before 5pm Friday on the week before your lecture.
For paper discussions, I will evaluate participation by expecting that each student will raise a question or make a connection regarding the paper. It is imperative that students complete the assigned reading before class on Fridays.
COVID-19 Protocols
For Fall 2021, Rutgers mandates the wearing of masks in classrooms. This includes both students and instructors/lecturers. I am happy to provide a couple of options for disposable masks that have a bit more room around the mouth for those of you who are giving the lecture(s) of the week.
Most importantly, do not come to class if you feel sick. This includes even the common cold. (I don't want your cold either!) I have created a zoom link for the class. Students who are sick or in quarantine due to COVID exposure may join the classroom by zoom. I will post all lecture slides as I receive them from the week's lecturer.
Schedule
Schedule of topics by week (readings still being determined).
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Week
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Topics
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Readings
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Sept 3
|
overview
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|
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Sept 7, 10
|
dark matter candidates |
Bertone & Tait (2018)
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Sept 14, 17
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structure formation
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Garzilli et al. (2019)
Klypin et al. (2021)
Boylan-Kolchin & Weisz (2021)
|
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Sept 21, 24
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non-linear evolution: Intro to N-Body
|
Wechsler et al. (2002)
Ludlow et al. (2019)
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Sept 28, Oct 1
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galaxy-halo connection
|
Nadler et al. (2020) |
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Oct 5, 8
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hierarchical formation:
bulges and thick disks
|
Bovy et al. (2012)
Bird et al. (2021)
Hopkins et al. (2009) |
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Oct 12, 15
|
hierarchical formation:
stellar halos
|
Diemand et al. (2005)
Bullock & Johnston (2005)
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Oct 19, 22
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searches for merger remnants |
Kuhlen et al. (2012)
Helmi et al. (2018)
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Oct 26, 29
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Intro to hydrodynamical simulations |
Kim et al. (2016) |
| Nov 2, 5 |
angular momentum;
the cusp-core problem
|
Brook et al. (2011)
Pontzen & Governato (2012)
di Cintio et al. (2014)
|
| Nov 9, 12 |
the missing satellites problem;
the too big to fail problem
|
Brooks & Zolotov (2014)
Brooks et al. (2013)
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| Nov 16, 19 |
missing dwarfs;
planes of satellites;
diversity of rotation curves problem
|
Garavito-Camago et al. (2021)
Pawlowski et al. (2021)
Oman et al. (2015)
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| Nov 23 |
detecting dark substructure
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Nov 30, Dec 3
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warm dark matter;
fuzzy dark matter
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Herpich et al. (2014)
Jowett Chan et al. (2021)
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Dec 7, 10
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self-interacting dark matter
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Astro Resources
All course materials (such as homework assignments and links to papers) will be found on the Canvas site. There is no specific text for this class. I will be the primary contact for pointing you to useful source material for lectures.
However, because a focus of the class is using galaxy observations to identify the particle nature of dark matter, you may find a few of these review articles useful to during the semester:
Rutgers Resources
Here are some web resources you may find useful:
Sensus
SensusAccess allows students, faculty, staff, and alumni to automatically convert documents into a range of alternate media including audiobooks (MP3 and DAISY), e-books (EPUB, EPUB3, and Mobi) and digital Braille. The service can also be used to convert inaccessible documents such as image-only PDF files, JPG pictures, and Microsoft PowerPoint presentations into more accessible and less tricky formats.
Disability Services
(848) 445-6800 / Lucy Stone Hall, Suite A145, Livingston Campus, 54 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Rutgers University welcomes students with disabilities into all of the University's educational programs. In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, a student with a disability must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with a Letter of Accommodations. Share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. To begin this process, please complete the Registration form on the ODS web site.
Counseling, ADAP & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
(848) 932-7884 / 17 Senior Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
CAPS is a University mental health support service that includes counseling, alcohol and other drug assistance, and psychiatric services staffed by a team of professional within Rutgers Health services to support students’ efforts to succeed at Rutgers University. CAPS offers a variety of services that include: individual therapy, group therapy and workshops, crisis intervention, referral to specialists in the community and consultation and collaboration with campus partners.
Violence Prevention & Victim Assistance (VPVA)
(848) 932-1181 / 3 Bartlett Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance provides confidential crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy for victims of sexual and relationship violence and stalking to students, staff and faculty. To reach staff during office hours when the university is open or to reach an advocate after hours, call 848-932-1181.
A list of resources and policies, including Academic Integrity.
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