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
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
- Lectures
Assessment method
Written exam: 80%
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 enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
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
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.