| Unit name | Cosmology 201 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS24010 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Bremer |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
A2 Physics or equivalent. |
| Co-requisites |
None. |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit outlines an augmented Newtonian model for discussing the structure and evolution of the Universe, and the Universe on the largest scales.
In addition to Newtonian gravity and orbits, it introduces the cosmological principle, Hubble's law, the Big Bang and subsequent expansion.
Descriptions of the geometry of space, baryogenesis at the start of the Universe, the cosmological constant and dark matter, and the end of the Universe are also given.
Aims:
To introduce the basic ideas of Cosmology through the use of the Newtonian model augmented by the cosmological constant.
To introduce the concept of an equation of state for the Universe and its components, and show how the geometry of the Universe is related to its energy, and thereby create a framework to understand the history and future of the Universe.
Understand how conservation laws in orbital motion arise from a central inverse-square law of force.
Be able to derive and understand the meaning of the Friedmann and fluid equations, and appreciate the significance of the Hubble law and the kinematic parameters of the Universe.
Appreciate the connection between the geometry and energy content of the Universe, the need for inflation, and the implications of dark energy.
Lectures, problems classes.
Written examination.
