Prospectus

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Theoretical Cosmology

Course
2020-2021

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites: General Relativity

Description

A course on Theoretical Cosmology. You will learn about the fundaments of the Standard Cosmological model, its successes and learn about its challenges, to which you may be able to contribute in the future.

Program: Firstly, the students will become familiar with the standard model of Cosmology, and its main aspects including:

  • Big Bang Cosmology

  • Inflation

  • Initial Conditions

  • Linear Perurbation theory

  • Gauges

  • Power Spectra and Trasnfer functions

  • Dark Energy

Course objectives

After successful completion of the course you will be able to:

  • Describe the main phases in the history of the Universe and the relevant physical processes.

  • Solve for the dynamics of the FLRW Universe at different epochs

  • Solve simple single-field models of inflation

  • Understand linear cosmological perturbation theory and its link to observables; calculate and solve the corresponding relevant equations

  • Transform between gauges

  • Calculate main transfer functions and the growth rate of structure

  • Solve the cosmology of dark energy models

Transferable skills

  • Analytical skills

  • Communication

  • Vision

  • Perseverance

Timetable

Physics Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace

Mode of instruction

Zie Brightspace

Course load

A brief calculation of the course load, broken down by:

  • 68 hours
- 22 hours spent on attending lectures and work sessions
- 46 hours of time spent for studying the compulsory literature and reference books, for completing problem sets and preparing for the final exam.

Assessment method

The final grade will be entirely based on the final exam.

Brightspace

Registration for Brightspace occurs via uSis

How to sign up for classes click here

Reading list

Main reference books: Modern Cosmology, S. Dodelson; Cosmological Inflation and Large-Scale Structure, A.Liddle and D.Lyth
Additional reading material will be provided through Brightspace.
While consulting these books is highly recommended, and is likely to help you understand and apply the material offered in the course, they also contain much additional material that goes beyond the course and will not be examined.

Contact

Instructors:Dr. A.Silvestri (Alessandra)
Teaching Assistant:O.Iarygina (Oksana)