DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY -- (202) 806-6245 (main office), -5830 (fax)

Advanced Topics in Astrophysics 2   PHYS-285 (87355) MW 10:00–11:30 am;
Office hrs.: M 3–5 pm & F 1–3 pm, and by appointment (at least one day ahead, confirmed)
[Topics][Daily Schedule][Minimal Requirements][Assignments][e-Gear][Welcome]

Instructor: Tristan Hübsch

TKH#213, 806-6267 thubsch@mac.com

(opt.): C.V. Johnson: D-Branes
(opt.): J.S. Polchinski: String Theory, Vol. I & II
--- and several other sources, as given in class

The aim of the course is to give a brief but uncompromising introduction to Brane Word cosmologies, based on the background set in the optional texts listed above. As this field is currently developing, part of the course will consist of literature-search, starting with some sources provided in class.

A successful student is expected to demonstrate the ability to: (1) search current literature on the subject and extract the particular information sought, (2) write a summary review on the state of an issue in this field, in the current literature, and (3) draw a summary on the feasibility of prusuing original research on the researched topic.

Topical schedule:

String Theory - an overview

D-Branes as solutions in String Theory

General relativity in Brane Cosmologies:

1. Localization of gravity
2. Extra-dimensional continuum corrections to Newton's Law
3. Localized matter and gauge symmetries
4. Non-gravitational interactions

Collaboration policy
Collaboration -- but not blind copying -- on the homework and term paper assignments is strongly encouraged; students should use this to learn from each other. However, each student must demonstrate a good understanding of the presentation topic - at the presentation. Failure to do so would imply covered under University regulations on academic dishonesty and cheating.

Coursework presentation and organization
While a neat presentation of homework is not required for full credit, it certainly makes it easier to assess the quality of the work and give the proper credit due. In all cases, include a simple sketch if it might help conveying the approach or the calculations. Where necessary, include: all units and complete symbols, such as the precise measure and limits of an integral, etc., and references for all quoted and cited material.

• Homework: Submitted answer sheets should be stapled (preferably in the top-left corner). The Student's full name (and ID number) should be indicated on the first (cover) page. Solutions should be labeled and ordered consecutively by the problem numbers. Include all calculation/work and give full reference to any result quoted from any source other than the text, and page/equation number for results quoted from the text or otherwise.
• Term paper and presentation: Each student will freely choose a topic for the term project from among the chapters in the required text. The project will then consist of exploring the references given in the text, performing sample calculations and writing a 15-20 page review paper. This review will also be presented in a 20-25 minute talk, with a 10-15 minute question period at the end. The students are expected to start on the project at least one month before the end of the due date, and interact with the instructor and among each other as much as possible. The paper and the presentation are expected to be at the professional level.

© Tristan Hübsch, 2005