| PHYS 436 |
|---|
| Introduction to Cosmology |
| Spring, 2019 |
| LOCATION/TIME | TBA |
| INSTRUCTOR | Dr. Lalith Perera |
| OFFICE HOURS | M,Tu, Th 3PM-4PM. |
| OFFICE | Lewis 208 |
| lpperera@olemiss.edu | |
| COURSE
DESCRIPTION |
Cosmology
is the study of the universe
taken as a whole: its origin, evolution and the structure. It
is a broad and exciting subject, covering a wide range of
physics topics, both theoretical and experimental. This
course is an introduction to modern cosmology with major emphasis on
understanding the big bang theory of the
universe and associated physical concepts. This is a golden age in cosmology. Over the past few decades cosmology has undergone a revolution, mostly driven by major technological advances in instrumentation. Many excellent astronomical measurements, which made possible by modern observational techniques have led to the development of a precise and elegant understanding of our universe. This course is intended to give the student a general understanding of recent developments and fundamentals of cosmology at a reasonably rigorous level and prepare them for study more advanced topics. A basic knowledge of undergraduate level physics and mathematics is expected. Otherwise the course will be self contained, and includes brief reviews of background physics and mathematics required. |
| PREREQUISITES | PHYS 212, MATH 263. Working knowledge in basic concepts in physics, calculus and application of calculus in physics is required. |
| TEXTBOOK | Main
textbook (required) for the
course is: Introduction to Cosmology by Barbara Ryden (2nd edition, ISBN 9781107154834). I will closely follow this book with some supplementary material. |
| SUPPLEMENTARY READING |
Following
books are recommended for supplementary learning: An Introduction to Cosmology, by Jeremy Bernstein, ISBN 0-13-905548-7. This an introductory book with very readable, simple explanations of many core physical concepts. Fundermentals of cosmology by James Rich (ISBN 978-3642027994): Covers the same material as Ryden, but little more rigorous. I may use some material from this book. Cosmology:The Science of the Universe by Edward Harrison (2nd edition ISBN 9780521661485): This is a less rigorious book for general reader, more on historical development of the subject. A recommended read, especially first few chapters on historical overview. An Introduction to Modern Cosmology, by Andrew Liddle : ISBN 978-0470848357 Similar to Ryden, but more condensed. Following are popular books intend for enthusiastic laymen. They lack technical rigor and quantitative detail. Nevertheless give many insights and historical aspects of the subject that are not covered in most textbooks. The First Three Minutes by Steven Weinberg: This is a well written book which gives an excellent description of cosmology in general, and the synthesis of the light chemical elements in particular. The Day We Found the Universe by Marcia Bartusiak: Story of how we came to know the nature and the size of the universe.A fascinating and extremely well written account of groundbreaking cosmolgical discoveries from early times through the first half of the 20th century. The Inflationary Universe by Alan Guith: A well written first-hand account of the Big Bang theory and then into the idea of inflation- told by the one of the contributers. Also provides the reader with a glimpse into the world and life of a physicist through his account of rise from a young researcher to a prominent cosmologist. Secrets of the Universe: How We Discovered the Cosmos by Paul Murdin: This is a "coffee table book", filled with vivid images and illustrations. It gives (non technical) explanations of many astronomical facts as well as detailed historical accounts of many astronomical discoveries |
| HOMEWORK | There will be weekly homework assignments. Doing assigned homework on time is an important requirement to be successful in this course. |
| ATTENDANCE | Students are required to be present for all classes. |
| EVALUATION | The final grade is based on homework and tests (midterms and final). |
| SPECIAL NEEDS | Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and other special needs will be provided. |
Tentative schedule |
||
| week 1 | Introduction: Overview, some preliminaries | |
| week 2 | Observational and theoretical basis of the big bang cosmology | |
| week 3 | Space time geometries | |
| week 4 | Cosmic dynamics | |
| week 5 | Model universes | |
| week 6 | Measuring Cosmological Parameters | |
| week 7 | Dark Matter | |
| week 8 | Cosmic Microwave Background | |
| week 9 | Big Bang Nucleosynthesis | |
| week 10 | Inflationary universe | |
| week 11 | Structure formation in the universe | |