Modern Cosmology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHYS4016 | Physics and Astronomy | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PHYS4016
- School
- Physics and Astronomy
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Standard cosmology; thermal history of the Universe and introduction to large scale structure; intro to cosmic microwave background; intro to inflation and dark energy; dark matter; dark energy, topological defects; primordial black holes; reheating after inflation.
Target Students
Students in the 4th year of MSci Physics, MathematicalPhysics, CMP and Natural Sciences programmesand students on the MScin Gravity, Particles and Fields.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
This module is based on a short series of lectures, an extended group task and a mini-project.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Extended Group Task
- 50% Coursework 2: Mini-Project
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module introduces students to the key ideas behind modern approaches to our understanding of the role of inflation in the early and late universe, in particular through the formation of structure, the generation of anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background radiation, and the origin of dark energy.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the module, students will have enhanced their:
• A1 knowledge of cosmology.
• A2 knowledge and understanding of the scientific method.
• A3 understanding of how the basic principles of cosmology and gravitation are applied in a range of situations.
• A4 knowledge of the methods of mathematical physics for the analysis of physical problems.
• A6 knowledge of the fundamental principles and applications of advanced cosmology at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline.
Intellectual Skills
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
• B1 apply to the quantitative analysis of physical situations.
• B2 apply high levels of numeracy and analysis.
• B3 apply techniques of problem solving.
Professional/Practical Skills
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
• C1 formulate problems in physics using appropriate mathematical language.
Transferable/Key Skills
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
• D1 develop appropriate strategies for study, including the use of library, human, and electronic sources of information.
• D2 work successfully both independently and as a member of a small team.
• D3 meet deadlines and manage their time effectively.
• D4 make effective use of general IT tools for acquiring, processing, and presenting information.
• D5 communicate effectively in writing, in particular to report critically on the results of an investigation.
• D6 prepare and deliver presentations at a variety of levels and on advanced topics.
• D7 effectively manage their time over a range of activities including collaborative working.