ASP3042

Cosmology

Dr Paul Cally (Department of Mathematics and Statistics)

4 points
* Two 1-hour lectures per week
* Second semester
* Clayton Prerequisites: MAT2030, MAT2040, MAA2032 or MAT2072
* Recommendations: PHS2022, PHS2251 or ASP2031, PHS2262 or ASP2042
* Prohibitions: MAA3242, MAT3142

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 Observations, simple Newtonian models, metrics, Einstein's equations, propagation of light, production of neutrons and protons, the background radiation, the formation of structure, inflation and the fate of the universe.

Assessment Examination (2 hours): 70%
* Assignments: 30% (or as announced at the beginning of the teaching year)

Recommended texts

Peebles P J E Principles of physical cosmology Princeton U P, 1993
Shu F The physical universe University Science Books, 1982
Weinberg S The first three minutes Bantam, 1977