Cosmology

Module overview

Modern cosmology is a fascinating and fast-developing field, with intense research activity fuelled by major discoveries made in the last decade. These have overturned our understanding of the Universe’s properties and established a new standard cosmological model that, however, poses challenging puzzles for fundamental physics, such as the nature of Dark Matter, the current acceleration of the Universe’s expansion and the occurrence of an inflationary stage in the first moments of the Universe. The course will draw upon a diverse range of core physics material as well as introducing new physics; it will not require specialist astronomical knowledge.

Linked modules

Pre-requisites: PHYS2001 AND PHYS2003 AND PHYS2006 AND PHYS2023 AND PHYS2024.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Understand and use the Friedmann equations and Fluid equation
Understand the physics of the early universe and of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
Understand the physical implications of the cosmological expansion
Be able to describe the physics of, and observational evidence for, the Big Bang model
Be able to discuss the physics responsible for the observed cosmic microwave background radiation
Be able to relate the Cosmological principle to Hubble's Law
Understand the motivations and the observational evidence for Inflation
Be able to explain the main properties of the so called “ΛCDM” model
Be able to explain why Einstein introduced the Cosmological constant and describe the current evidence for a non-zero value for this constant
Be able to identify the key steps that lead to the recognition of the expanding Universe

Cognitive Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Be able to critically evaluate technical papers on cosmology

Learning and Teaching

Study time
Type	Hours
Completion of assessment task	2
Revision	10
Lecture	36
Wider reading or practice	66
Preparation for scheduled sessions	18
Follow-up work	18
Total study time	150

Assessment

Assessment strategy

There will be 1 problem sheet handed out during the semester which will contribute 10% to the final mark

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	90%
Problem Sheets	10%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework marks carried forward	10%
Examination	90%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	90%
Coursework marks carried forward	10%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External