Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will have learnt the basic concepts of modern physical cosmology, such as universal expansion, closure density, microwave background etc;
be familiar with the successes and problems of the hot `big bang' model, and the need for inflation; be aware of the problem of forming structures within the universe, especially galaxies, voids and clusters of galaxies.
Synopsis The expanding universe, cosmological redshifts and distances; the `big bang', microwave background radiation; standard and alternative cosmologies; closure, dark matter, inflation.
Assessment Examination (1.5 hours): 70% + Assignments: 30%