Astrophysical Cosmology (U01402)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PHY-4-AstCosm

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of modern astrophysical cosmology. The meaning of time and space in an expanding universe are discussed, and the dynamics of the expansion are solved, yielding the tools needed to relate astronomical observations to the physical properties of objects seen at great distances. The time history of the expansion is studied, starting from the prediction of a hot big bang, and discussing the relics that remain from early times, especially light elements, dark matter and the microwave background. The initial conditions for the expansion are seen to require careful tuning, and the best modern explanation for this lies in the theory of inflation, which removes the idea of a big bang. Inflation can explain not only the existence of a uniform expanding universe, but can seed fluctuations via amplified quantum fluctuations, so that structures such as galaxies can form at late times. The basic elements of this theory are explained, and the course closes with a survey of open observational challenges.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : At least 40 credit points accrued in courses of SCQF Level 9 or 10 drawn from Schedule Q.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
21/09/2006	12:00	13:00			ROE

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	12:10	13:00	Other
Lecture	Thursday	12:10	13:00	Other

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, it is intended that a student will be able to:
1)State the definition of a 'fundamental observer', 'cosmological time' and the 'cosmological principle', and exploit them to derive the Robertson-Walker metric for the universe
2)Derive the equation of motion for a photon and hence define the cosmological redshift
3)Derive and explain the meaning of the Friedmann equation for the evolution of the universe, and find and explain its solutions
4)Define apparent ages, sizes and flux in the universe and relate them to the cosmological redshift
5)Discuss the cosmological distance ladder and the age of the universe
6)Describe the thermal history of the universe and explain the origin of relic particles, the microwave background radiation and primordial elements
7)Discuss the evidence for Dark Matter, and explain how observations can distinguish between the competing theories for what it is
8)Explain how large-scale structure evolves in the universe, and understand the statistical quanities used to describe this structure
9)Explain the problems with the Big Bang model of the universe, and describe how these are solved by the Inflationary scenario
10)Explain how Inflation solves the problem of the origin of structure in the universe
11)State the observational evidence leading to the concordance model of cosmology