Admission requirements
Familiarity with basic concepts of cosmology is assumed. The student is assumed to have basic knowledge of the thermal history of the universe, recombination, the cosmic microwave background, cosmic distances, horizons, and to be able to work with the Friedmann equation. In terms of the Leiden curriculum, the Astronomy master's course Origin and Evolution of the Universe provides the ideal preparation.
Description
How galaxies and the large-scale structures in which they are embedded form is a fundamental question in extra-galactic astronomy. It is an area that has seen tremendous progress, but is still constantly challenged by ever-improving observational data. This course introduces you to this fascinating subject and the underlying physics, starting from how small density perturbations grow into dark matter haloes, to how baryons cool and form the galaxy population we observe today.
Physical concepts are derived from basic principles where possible. The emphasis is on intuitive rather than mathematically rigorous derivations.
Topics that will be covered include:
Statistical cosmological principle
Linear growth of density perturbations
Free streaming
Jeans smoothing
Radiation drag
The linear growth of potential fluctuations
The linear growth of peculiar velocities
Transfer functions and the matter power spectrum
Correlation functions
Redshift space distortions
The cosmic web
Non-linear spherical collapse
Scaling laws and virial relations
Halo mass functions and Press-Schechter theory
Biasing
Halo density profiles, shapes, and spins
The halo model
Semi-empirical models for galaxy clustering
Radiative cooling
Gas accretion
Angular momentum and galaxy sizes
Stellar and AGN feedback
Self-regulated galaxy formation
The epoch of reionization
The Gunn-Peterson effect and quasar absorbers
The thermal history of the intergalactic medium
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course you will be able to explain how (we think that) large-scale structures and galaxies form and evolve and you will be able to carry out calculations of the formation of structures in the universe.
Upon completion of the course you will be able to:
Understand the concepts covered in the course, including those listed above
Be able to explain the current picture of the origin and evolution of large-scale structure and galaxies
Make quantitative but approximate models for the evolution of large-scale structure, dark matter haloes, the circumgalactic medium, galaxies and the intergalactic medium
Understand the main limitations of the models and know some of the unanswered questions
Be able to read the literature and follow talks on the topics covered
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
Exercise classes
Assessment method
Written exam (75%), see the Astronomy master examination schedules.
Four homework assignments: 25% (if higher than the result of the written exam)
Reading list
Lecture notes
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. J. Schaye
Remarks
None