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 | 2014/5 |
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).
Background Reading and Resource List
Not applicable.
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