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
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
Exercise classes
Assessment method
Written exam (75%)
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 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. J. Schaye
Remarks
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.