PX3146: Cosmology
School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
Department Code | PHYSX |
Module Code | PX3146 |
External Subject Code | 100414 |
Number of Credits | 10 |
Level | L6 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Enzo Pascale |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
To introduce the basic concepts underpinning the Big Bang theory of the Universe.
To apply these concepts to the interpretation of cosmological observations.
To develop an awareness of the main issues and controversies in contemporary cosmology.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Describe the fundamental concepts involved in the Big Bang theory, including the spatial geometry and dynamics of an expanding Universe.
Interpret observed properties of galaxies and other objects using the Robertson-Walker metric.
Solve Friedmann’s equations for simple world models, and interpret the solutions physically.
Calculate the expected abundances of light elements produced by cosmological nucleosynthesis.
Describe, and account for using simple physical arguments, the main features of the cosmic microwave background radiation.
Describe the key events in the thermal history of the Universe.
Describe and discuss critically the observational basis of the standard concordance cosmology (including dark matter and dark energy).
How the module will be delivered
Lectures 22 x 1 hr, Exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem Solving. Mathematics. Investigative Skills. Analytical Skills. Communications skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination 80%. Coursework 20%. [Examination duration: 2 hours]
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Autumn Semester | 80 | Cosmology | 2 |
Written Assessment | 20 | Cosmology | N/A |
Syllabus content
Basics: The Cosmological Principle. Newtonian Cosmology. Hubble expansion, redshift, cosmic scale factor, cosmic energy equation.
Simple ideas of relativistic cosmology: Spatial curvature. Open, closed and flat universes. Pressure. Radiation. Cosmological constant.
Friedmann models: Age of the Universe. Critical density. Effect of cosmological constant.
Cosmological Parameters: Hubble parameter H, density parameter and cosmological parameter and means of determining them.
The Cosmic Microwave background: Black-Body Radiation in an expanding universe. The Hot Big Bang. Fluctuations and Galaxy Formation
Nucleosynthesis: Origin of Helium and other light elements (simple treatment only).
Thermal History of the Universe: Brief Treatment of key events from Big Bang to the present epoch. Evidence for dark matter and dark energy: Rotation Curves of Galaxies. Virial Theorem in Clusters. Evidence for the accelerating Universe. Dark energy. The Concordance Cosmology
Essential Reading and Resource List
An Introduction to Modern Cosmology (2nd Edn.), A R Liddle (John Wiley).