Admission requirements
Leiden Astronomy Bachelor's courses Galaxies and Cosmology and Radiative Processes.
Description
This course introduces the theoretical underpinnings and the observational evidence for modern cosmology.
After you learn what evidence exists for the hot Big Bang model, you study the basics of relativistic cosmology. We then discuss the physical processes occurring in the early universe, such as inflation, Big Bang nucleosynthesis and recombination. Finally, you will study the origin of large-scale structure, and use this to interpret the observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background. During the exercise classes, you will apply the material covered in the lectures in more involved calculations.
This course covers the following topics:
Relativistic cosmology (Friedmann equation, distances, basic parameters)
Thermal history of the Universe
Inflation
Big Bang nucleosynthesis
Recombination
Basics of structure formation
Interpretation of the Cosmic Microwave Background
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 make basic 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 basic quantities in an expanding Universe
Explain the problems with the Big Bang models
Explain how inflation solves the problems with the Big Bang model
Explain the basics of Big Bang nucleosynthesis
Interpret observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background
Soft skills
In this course, you are trained in the following behavior-oriented skills:
Abstract thinking
Explaining and analyzing complex and non-intuitive concepts
Timetable
See Astronomy master schedules
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Assessment method
Written exam: 80%, see the Astromoy master examination schedules
Three homework assignments: 20% (if higher than result of written exam)
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used to communicate with students and to share lecture slides, homework assignments, and any extra materials. You must enroll on Blackboard before the first lecture. To have access, you need a student ULCN account.
Reading list
Introduction to Cosmology, 2nd edition (B. Ryden), ISBN 9781107154834 (required)
Registration
Register via uSis. More information about signing up for classes and exams can be found here. Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for information on how to register. For Interest only & Contractual enrolment, please see this website (in Dutch only).
Contact information
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. J. (Joop) Schaye
Assistants: Anna de Graaff, Evgenii Chaikin