Academic Year/course:
2022/23
628 - Master's Degree in Physics of the Universe: Cosmology, Astrophysics, Particles and Astroparticles
68357 - Electrodynamics: radiation and matter interaction
Syllabus Information
Academic Year:
2022/23
Subject:
68357 - Electrodynamics: radiation and matter interaction
Faculty / School:
100 - Facultad de Ciencias
Degree:
628 - Master's Degree in Physics of the Universe: Cosmology, Astrophysics, Particles and Astroparticles
ECTS:
6.0
Year:
01
Semester:
First semester
Subject Type:
Optional
Module:
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1.1. Aims of the course
Interaction of Radiation and Matter is a master course of physics that provides the basis for understanding numerous phenomena in advanced Physics and Astrophysics. It is devoted to provide the basis of the radiation mechanisms based on quantum and relativistic principles.
The course and its expected outcomes respond to the following approaches and goals: to understand the classical and quantum nature of electromagnetic interactions, together with more recent developments associated with new materials, as well as applications to other branches of physics. At the end of the course the student should be able to use and apply their knowledge to solve current problems of radiation detection, particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology.
These approaches and objectives are aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/), in such a way that the acquisition of the results of subject learning provides training and competence to contribute to some extent to its achievement. In particular with Goal 4: Quality education. Goal 5: Gender equality, Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure and Goal 13: Climate action.
1.2. Context and importance of this course in the degree
The course provides the basic concepts, tools and applications required for many other courses of the master such as Cosmology I and Cosmology II, Observational Astrophysics, Stellar Astrophysics and Extragalactic Astrophysics.
This course is complemented by Quantum Field Theory and Theory and Phenomenology of the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
1.3. Recommendations to take this course
It is recommended that students have prior knowledge of quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and optics.
Other courses of the Master that provide and deepen important knowledge for this subject are Quantum Field Theory and Theory and Phenomenology of the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
2.1. Competences
After the course, the student will be more competent to:
- Facing problems and theoretical developments in the fields of the Degree.
- Delve into a research topic and learn about the most recent advances and current lines of research in the fields of Cosmology, Astrophysics, Particles and Astroparticles.
- Analyze, treat and interpret the experimental data.
- Integrate knowledge and consolidate the basic skills and interrelationships between the different fields of particle physics and astrophysics.
- Understand the basic concepts and physical phenomena related to relativistic interactions of light and matter, and compute their effects.
- Analyze and interpret physical phenomena that involve the emission or absorption of radiation.
2.2. Learning goals
To pass this course, the student needs demonstrate the following results:
- Know the fundamentals and practical consequences of the relativistic aspects of radiation.
- Being able to analyze the different physical phenomena that involve emission or absorption of electromagnetic radiation.
- Know the radiation detection techniques.
- Know the basic rules of the interaction of light with matter.
2.3. Importance of learning goals
The interest in the electromagnetic phenomena at short distances has increased in recent decades due to their fundamental properties and new physical phenomena associated with the quantum nature of radiation-matter interaction. A solid knowledge of these phenomena and the development of new analytical tools will allow the students to apply them in solving advanced problems in this field.
The course will also allow students to acquire and develop the analytical skills necessary to work in a theoretical or experimental research group in the future.
3. Assessment (1st and 2nd call)
3.1. Assessment tasks (description of tasks, marking system and assessment criteria)
Students must demonstrate that they have achieved the expected learning outcomes through the following assessment activities:
- Reports and written works: 20%
- Case analysis, problem solving, questions and other activities: 30%
- Oral presentations of works: 20%
- Evaluation tests: 30%
The final mark will be obtained according to the above percentages. To pass the subject the final mark must be equal to or greater than 5.0.
The course has been primarily designed for students who are able to attend the lectures on site, and carry out the evaluation activities described above. However, there will also be an evaluation test for those students who are either unable to attend these lectures or who fail in their first evaluation.
This global test will be carried out on the dates established by the Faculty of Sciences and will consist of an evaluation of the same learning results as in the continuous evaluation tests.
Honors degree qualification
The honors degree will be awarded to students who achieve the maximum grades, as long as it is above 9.0.
4. Methodology, learning tasks, syllabus and resources
4.1. Methodological overview
The methodology followed in this course is oriented towards achievement of the learning objectives.
The learning process that has been designed for this subject is based on the following:
- Master classes
- Problem-based learning
- Case resolution
- Oral presentations of works
- Written reports
- Tutorials
- Work in small groups
- Work and personal study
- Assessment test
Participatory
4.2. Learning tasks
The course includes the following learning tasks:
- Participation and attendance to master classes: 30 contact hours.
- Case analysis, sharing and debate on the contents of the course: 20 hours, 16 face-to-face.
- Resolution of problems related to the contents of the course: 10 hours, 8 face-to-face.
- Preparation and written presentation of work: 20 non-contact hours.
- Oral presentation of work: 10 hours, 1 face-to-face.
- Tutorials in person or online: 10 hours, 8 face-to-face.
- Individual study: 40 non-contact hours.
- Written or oral evaluation tests: 3 contact hours.
- Discussions in discussion forum: 7 hours not in person.
The teaching and evaluation activities will be carried out in person unless, due to the health situation, the provisions issued
by the competent authorities and by the University of Zaragoza require them to be carried out electronically or
semi-electronically with reduced capacity.
4.3. Syllabus
The course will address the following topics:
- Relativistic electrodynamics.
- Lorentz symmetry and spin.
- Classical theory of radiation.
- Synchrotron radiation.
- Cerenkov Effect.
- Astrophysical applications.
- Quantum electrodynamics.
- Quantum electromagnetic radiation. Dirac Equation.
- Interaction of photons with matter.
- Interaction of charged particles with matter.
- Fermi golden rule. Compton effect.
- Interaction of neutrons with matter.
- Photons in astrophysics.
4.4. Course planning and calendar
The dates will be established and announced by the teachers at the beginning of the course.
Classes will begin and end on the dates indicated by the Faculty of Sciences.
- Theory classes: 2/3 sessions per week.
- Computing classes: to be announced.
- Assessment sessions: dates to be decided.