Observational Cosmology
Academic Year 2014-2015
Prof.
Goals of this course
The goal of the course is to introduce the students to the
modern observational cosmology.
In the first part of the course, key concepts will be derived from first principles,
and we will introduce the basic concepts and techniques to interpret the data from the modern
cosmological surveys (CMB, large scale distribution, gravitational lensing).
Focus of the second part of the course is on the probes of dark matter and dark energy,
and the tests of the general relativity in the cosmological context.
More info here |
Syllabus:
(9 lectures, 2 hours each)>
Basics of general relativistic cosmology
Cosmological world models
Thermal history of the Universe
Decoupling and the origin of the Cosmic Microwave Background
Hierarchical formation of cosmic structures.
The Press-Schechter theory
Role of dark energy and dark matter in cosmic structures formation
Nature of darm matter: Warm versus cold dark matter.
The reionization and the first stars.
CMB Gravitational lensing as cosmological probes.
Observational probes of the dark matter.
Large scale distribution of galaxies and galaxy clusters.
Present and future surveys: KIDS, Planck, EUCLID, SKA.
Tests of general relativity in the cosmological context.
Possible textbooks:
J. Peacock, "Cosmological Physics"
H. Mo, F. van den Bosch, S. White, "Galaxy Formation and Evolution",
Material and suggested readings
Read Sect. 1.1 from:
"An Introduction into the Theory of Cosmological Structure Formation", by Christian Knobel
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My slides:
Lecture 1
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Lecture 2
Basic of stellar physics: useful as a quick reference for topics mentioned during the classes
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Short biography of Henrietta Leavitt
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last modified: 03-02-2015