Cosmology

Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

This course is about 13.8 billion years of cosmic evolution, from inflation to the formation of galaxies. 

Chapters:

1. Geometry and Dynamics.
2. Inflation.
3. Thermal History.
4. Cosmological Perturbation Theory.
5. Structure Formation & the Cosmic Microwave Background Anisotropies.

Study materials

Literature

• S.Dodelson, 'Modern Cosmology', Academic Press, 2003 (optional).

Objectives

At the end of the course, the student is able to

• list the various epochs of the evolution of the Universe
• perform calculations based on the FRW metric
• predict the dynamics of the Universe depending on its energy content
• reflect on the necessity for an inflationary phase
• assess whether a single scalar field model can solve the horizon problem or not
• perform simple estimates and calculations related to the thermal evolution of the Universe
• describe the various steps of primoridal nucleosynthesis (BBN)
• derive the WIMP miracle, neutrino freeze-out, photon decoupling
• derive, understand and apply the linear perturbation equations for cosmological evolution
• demonstrate how predictions for the large scale distribution of matter in the Universe and the cosmic microwave background can be obtained
• show how these predictions are compared to data

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Self-study
• Computer lab session/practical training
• Seminar

In the lectures we will go quickly through over the various topics of the lecture and discuss the main questions and how they are in general addressed. Mathematical details will be left for the exercises.  In the exercise sessions, various test exercises will be worked through in small groups, the results will be presented. The exercises will not be graded. There will be also several homework sets, which will be graded and for which feedback will be provided. The content of the exercises will be part of what is tested in the final exam. Significant self-study is an important aspect of the course.

Learning activities

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Additional requirements for this course:

Students are expected to attend the lectures at least 50% of the time. If they attended less and want to participate in the final exam, this has to be communicated to the course coordinator.

Assessment

• The deadlines for sending in homework are strict.
• If the resit is taken, it accounts for 100% of the grade.

Inspection of assessed work

Contact the course coordinator to make an appointment for inspection.

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

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. C. Weniger