Cosmology

Cosmology

Volledige vakbeschrijving

This course will cover the basic topics in theoretical and observational cosmology. A background in (Gen-eral) Relativity and Astronomy is useful but not strictly mandatory, but a solid understanding of calculus and algebra is assumed. We will begin with a brief introduction to the mathematics of spacetime and General Relativity, and apply it to homogeneous, isotropic (FLRW) cosmological models. We will then study light propagation in an ex- panding Universe, discuss the cosmic distance ladder and the basics of observational cosmology. After that, we will outline the cosmological expansion history and investigate in some depth the various epochs, their observational status and the underlying physical laws: 1) the Big Bang, inflation and the generation of primordial fluctuations; 2) baryogenesis and the origin of the matter/antimatter asymmetry; 3) Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN); 4) recombination and the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB); 5) structure formation and Dark Matter; 6) late-time cosmic acceleration and Dark Energy. At the end of the course, you should be able to understand the basic theoretical motivation and observa-tional support in favour of the ΛCDM model, the concordance cosmological model.

Doelstellingen van dit vak

• Understand the basic mathematics of spacetime and general relativity applied to homogeneous and isotropic cosmological models (FLRW metric) • Derive the Friedmann equations and the cosmological expansion history given the nature of the energy/matter in the Universe • Understand light propagation in an expanding Universe, ages, redshift, horizons and the cosmic distance ladder • Describe and investigate the main epochs and topics in the cosmological history, including infla-tion, Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, recombination, structure formation, late-time cosmic acceleration. • Understand theory and observational evidence for the ΛCDM model.

Voorwaarden

MAT2004 Linear Algebra and/or MAT2006 Calculus Recommended PHY3002 Theory of Relativity PHY2010 Galactic Astronomy

Aanbevolen literatuur

There is no official textbook for the course. All necessary study material will be provided and/or indicated during the course. For more advanced and in-depth reading, the interested student is referred to one or more of the excellent books on the subject, for instance: - S. Dodelson, Modern Cosmology, Academic Press (2003). - E.W. Kolb, M.S. Turner, The Early Universe, Avalon Publishing (1994). - A. Liddle, An Introduction to Modern Cosmology, Wiley (2003). - P.J.E. Peebles, Principles of Physical Cosmology, Princeton University Press (1993).
PHY3008
Periode 4
3 feb 2025
4 apr 2025
Vakbeschrijving afdrukken
Studiepunten: 
5.0
Taal van de opleiding: 
Engels
Coördinator:
Onderwijsmethode: 
Lecture(s), PBL, Assignment(s)
Evaluatiemethoden: 
Attendance, Participation, Written exam, Assignment