Cosmology (COSMO)

Academic Team

Course Content

Type: Compulsory– PEC&AC Track – 2nd Trimester

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to modern cosmology, covering the theoretical framework, observational evidence, and open questions about the origin, evolution, and large-scale structure of the Universe.

Main Topics

• Cosmological principles and the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker models.
• Thermal history of the Universe: from the hot Big Bang to the matter and radiation eras.
• Inflation and the generation of cosmic perturbations.
• Baryogenesis and Big Bang nucleosynthesis.
• Cosmic microwave background and large-scale structure formation.
• Formation of the first stars and galaxies.
• Observational cosmology: distance measurements, standard candles, and large surveys.
• Gravitational waves in cosmology.
• Computational methods for simulating cosmic evolution.
• Open problems: dark matter, dark energy, and alternatives to the standard model.

• Interpret and apply theoretical models of cosmic evolution.
• Relate observational data to cosmological parameters.
• Analyze the interplay between theory, simulations, and astronomical observations.

• Introduction
• History & Principles
• Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Models
• The Thermal History of the Universe
• Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
• Inflation
• Gauge Invariant Perturbations + Baryogenesis
• Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation:
  • Observations
  • Theory
• The Large-Scale Structure of the Universe
• Cosmic Dawn: The First Stars & Galaxies
• Observational Cosmology:
  • The distance ladder
  • CMB & surveys
• Gravitational Waves
• Computational Cosmology
• Open Problems in Cosmology:
  • The CDM crisis
  • Alternative gravity
• Supplementary notes on Inflation, GIP and Baryogenesis by Juan Garcia-Bellido
• Annotated notes created by MSc students from the year 2020/21 can be found under Links

Note: All the course information is available on its website.

Course Outline

Course Schedule