Schedule

Our schedule for Summer 2024 is maintained in the Sheets document below. Since this is an experimental program, contents and timing may change slightly. However, expect all topics listed, unordered, below to be included in the program. Program focuses: high energy particle physics (HEP), observational astrophysics, detector physics (dark matter and neutrinos), and quantum computing. Due to our prior research and teaching experiences, this program's topical themes do align with PHYS 323/324 (Purdue Data Mine). However, the goals of this program are much different: rather than learning data analysis through a specific, guided research project, our goal is to expose students to the wealth of open-source resources and basic skills they can independently develop and provide a working (yet not as involved) familiarity in a wide variety of skills/subfields. Therefore, STARTUP can be thought of as a novel survey crash-course in modern physics research skills.

Disclaimer: These topics are skewed towards experimental physics/observational astronomy following the skillsets of the instructors. 

Core Topics Covered: 

• Reading academic papers, GitHub, data representation in Python, Linux and Bash

• Monte Carlo simulations, machine learning

• ROOT terminology and HEP data manipulation

• Imaging/spectroscopy, using FITS files, SAOImageDS9

• Detector physics and high-sensitivity particle detection (astroparticle physics)

• Quantum computing and QISKIT

What can I expect out of the program? 

• Introductory hands-on experience with a variety of tools necessary for modern physics research.

• Introductions to basic physics and astrophysics theory. 

• Skills necessary to read/use scientific publications to motivate research and understanding. 

• Coding skills in Python and Bash. 

• One-on-one mentorship with undergraduate researchers and development of independent research skills. 

• Development of a culminating personal project (potential examples: novel quantum algorithm, stacked image of a galaxy cluster using JWST FITS files, MOND theory simulation, area vs. width plots for XENON detector, etc.) that can be showcased on resumes/CVs and used as a starting point/talking point for further learning/research. 

Weekly Requirements

• Two online meetings, one 1.5 hours (Monday), one 1.5 hour (Friday).

• Weekly independent reading of one academic paper. 

• Weekly independent computational homework project(s). 

• Final culminating project (extent and topic up to the student and can be an extension of weekly projects).