1. The Expanding Universe
Kinematics and dynamics of expanding universe (cosmic evolution, Hubble law, Friedmann eqs)
Propagation of light and horizons (geodesics, conformal diagrams, luminosity, redshift, distance)
composition of the universe, status cosmological observations
2. The Early Hot Universe
Thermal history
Cosmological nucleosynthesis
3. Structure formation
Gravitational Instability in Newtonian theory (Jeans theory)
Gravitational Instability in General Relativity (cosmological perturbation theory, halo formation,…)
4. Inflation
Three puzzles (flatness, horizon, monopoles)
Slow-roll inflation
Inflation as origin of cosmological fluctuations
5. Anisotropies in the Microwave Sky
Generalities
Temperature fluctuations: scalar and tensor modes
Polarization
Observations
6. Quantum cosmology: which universe and why?
GENERAL COMPETENCIES
The student becomes acquainted with the general theory of modern, relativistic cosmology and its observational vindication. This includes the thermal and nuclear history of our expanding universe, as well as the formation of large-scale structures like galaxies from seeds generated in a primordial era of inflation. The student learns to appreciate the development of relativistic cosmology in the historical context of 20th century physics.
