Advanced Topics in Astrophysics and Plasma Physics-Observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background

To provide an overview of the main experimental challenges involved in observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) appropriate for a PhD student working out his/her research in a generic area of physics or astrophysics; Describe the specific strategies in measurements of the CMB frequency spectrum, temperature anisotropies and polarization, and highlight their scientific impact; Provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art and of future perspectives of CMB experiments; Stimulate an interactive discussion with and among the students during the lectures and, where possible, identify interconnections with the research subject of each student.