285421 Higher-dimensional models in Gravity and Particle Physics (V) (SoSe 2012)

In the past decade, scenarios with additional spatial dimension(s) have been intensively studied within the search for extended models of both gravity and particle physics. This lecture course will provide an introductory overview of the most popular models and their phenomenological implications.

The following topics will be covered:
1. Higher-dimensional models in Gravity
- a basic introduction to General Relativity
- ongoing search for extended theories of gravity and its motivation
- implications for the effective Newton's law and the experimental constraints on modifications of gravity
- a survey of most popular higher-dimensional models of gravity and their implications for the effective 4-dimensional picture
- and if time allows - other alternative theories of gravity, as well as string theory motivated scenarios
2. Higher-dimensional models in Particle Physics
- a short review of the Standard Model of particle physics
- introduction to basic relevant calculative techniques (higher-dimensional theories as effective field theories in 4 dimensions)
- compactified extra dimensions: Universal Extra Dimensions (the simplest extra-dimensional extension of the Standard Model)
- warped extra dimensions: the Randall-Sundrum model
- phenomenology of higher-dimensional models:
--- constraints from known data (LEP, Tevatron, precision measurements)
--- dark matter candidates from extra dimensions
--- searching for extra dimensions at the LHC
- if time allows: advanced topics in particle physics with extra dimensions (e.g.\ higher-dimensional models for neutrino physics)
Note: The standard lecture part within this course will be complemented by topic related problems. The lecture course starts on 13th April.

Requirements for participation, required level

Required pre-knowledge: Theoretical Physics I & II, basics of Particle Physics.