Admission requirements
BSc-level knowledge of mathematics and physics, including classical and quantum mechanics, special relativity, statistical physics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. At least basic knowledge of astronomy, e.g. the Leiden course "Introduction to astrophysics".
Description
This course introduces the theoretical underpinnings and the observational evidence for modern cosmology.
After reviewing the evidence for the hot Big Bang model, we study the basics of relativistic cosmology and the expansion history. We then discuss the measurement of cosmological parameters, dark matter and dark energy. Next we study the thermal history and physical processes occurring in the early universe, such as inflation, Big Bang nucleosynthesis and recombination.
This course covers the following topics:
Cosmic kinematics and dynamics
Measurement of cosmological parameters
Dark matter
Thermal history of the Universe
Cosmic microwave background anisotropies
Inflation
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course you will be able to describe the current cosmological model and the observational evidence supporting this. Moreover, you will be able to do relevant calculations and read the scientific literature on the topic.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
Explain the basics of the current cosmological model
Use the Friedmann equations to calculate quantities in an expanding Universe
Explain how cosmological parameters are measured
Discuss the need for non-baryonic dark matter
Explain various milestones in the thermal history, including Big Bang nucleosynthesis, neutrino decoupling, recombination and photon decoupling
Interpret observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background
Explain how inflation solves the problems with the Big Bang model
Timetable
See Astronomy master schedules
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have sucessfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go the the 'help-page' in MyTimetable. Please note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different timetables into one. This video explains how to do this.
Mode of instruction
- Lectures
Assessment method
Written exam: 80%, see the Astronomy master examination schedules
Three homework assignments: 20% (if higher than result of written exam)
Reading list
Lecture notes
Introduction to Cosmology, 2nd edition (B. Ryden), ISBN 9781107154834 (recommended but not required)
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for registering on time, i.e. 14 days before the start of the course. This can be done via Mystudymap. You do this twice a year: once for the courses you want to take in semester 1 and once for the courses you want to take in semester 2. Please note: late registration is not possible.
Registration for courses in the first semester is possible from July; registration for courses in the second semester is possible from December. First-year bachelor students are registered for semester 1 by the faculty student administration; they do not have to do this themselves. For more information, see this page
In addition, it is mandatory for all students, including first-year bachelor students, to register for exams. This can be done up to and including 10 calendar days prior to the exam or up to five calendar days in case of a retake exam. You cannot participate in the exam or retake without a valid registration in My Studymap.
Extensive FAQ's on MyStudymap can be found here.
Contact
Lecturer: Prof.dr. K.H. Kuijken
Remarks
Soft skills
In this course, you are trained in the following behavior-oriented skills:
Abstract thinking
Explaining and analyzing complex and non-intuitive concepts