Advanced Cosmology

3 EC

Semester 1, period 3

5354ADCO3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. C. Weniger
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2023/2024

Course content

Advanced Cosmology - Non-linear structure formation and Observations

This advanced cosmology course covers non-linear structure formation, including halo models and Press-Schechter theory, N-body simulations, large scale structure surveys, and statistical methods for analyzing data. Students will learn to interpret observational data, evaluate theoretical models, and analyze solutions to observational challenges and systematic errors.

Study materials

Literature

  • Will be announced.

Other

  • Lecture notes.

Objectives

  • Explain the key assumptions and limitations of the halo model and Press-Schechter theory, and of N-body simulations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of large scale structure survey data and apply statistical techniques, including Bayesian analysis and Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, to interpret these data and draw conclusions about cosmological models.
  • Be familiar with the challenges and systematic errors that can affect large scale structure surveys.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Self-study
  • Reading and exercise classes.

Will be announced.

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Self study

84

Total

84

(3 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article A-1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Additional requirements for this course:

    The student may be absent in 2 out of all course lectures. Absence needs to be communicated to the course coordinator.

    Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    Final exam

    The course will be assessed based on a final exam (70% of the final grade) and homework assignments (30% of the final grade).

    Assignments

    []

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    WeeknummerOnderwerpenStudiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. C. Weniger