Cosmology

Overview

Observational overview
Distance scale and redshift
Friedmann equation and expansion, and Universal geometry
Cosmological models
Observational parameters
The cosmological constant
Age of the universe
Density of the universe and dark matter
Cosmic microwave background
Early universe
Nucleosynthesis – the origin of light elements
Inflationary universe and the Initial singularity

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

Apply their knowledge of basic physics including thermodynamics, atomic physics and nuclear physics to understand the principles of modern cosmology.

Appreciate the concepts of the expanding Universe, redshift, isotropy and the mass energy content of the Universe.

Formulate and manipulate equations of Newtonian gravity to derive the Friedmann equation. Solve this equation to obtain simple cosmological models.

Explain the origin of the cosmic microwave background and the nucleosynthesis of the light elements in the big bang theory.

Understand how precision measurements constrain the Hubble parameter, the age and the matter and energy density of the Universe. Understand the observational evidence for dark matter and the accelerating expansion.

Critically compare the evidence from observations with the predictions from theory

Skills

Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.

Assessment

NONE