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)