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
Outcome:
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
