Course for international guest/part time students
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- Organization
- TTK Department of Atomic Physics
- Code
- rpacosmf20em
- Title
- Cosmology
- Usual semester
- Autumn
- Published semester
- 2026/27/1
- ECTS
- 4
- Language
- en
- Learning outcomes
- Cosmology is the physics of the largest scales in the universe. Based on the successes of its standard model, the Big Bang theory, we can with high certainty claim that the universe we know not only has an evolutionary history but a beginning as well. The development of the scientific field of physical cosmology gained momentum in the 20th century with the increasing sophistication of astronomical observing techniques. With the help of these techniques, today we know the fundamental parameters of the universe within ~1% accuracy, thereby having a description of its past and future with a similarly low level of uncertainty. Nevertheless, cosmology raises many open questions for contemporary physical research: how does gravity work on the largest size and energy scales; what components does our universe consist of; what is dark matter and dark energy; do we live in one of a multitude of universes produced in the same cosmological process; what processes went on at the first instants of the history of our universe? The aim of the course is to give an introduction to modern cosmology, and thereby to prepare future cosmologists to find their own answers to these and other questions. a) Knowledge: At the system level and in its context, he/she knows the comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of the main topics of cosmology. He/she is aware of the possible directions and limits of modern cosmology. In its context, he/she has an overview of the researchable processes, systems, and scientific problems of the field of cosmology. He/she is familiar with the terminology describing the processes of physical cosmology, and has an extensive knowledge about the literature of the field of cosmology. b) Abilities: Able to participate in the work of research groups conducting cosmological research. With regular professional self-education, he/she is able to process new scientific results in cosmology and apply them creatively in his/her work. Able to formulate scientific questions related to cosmology. c) Attitude: He/she seeks to learn about new achievements in modern cosmology and to apply them as widely as possible. In the field of cosmology, he/she distinguishes between scientifically substantiated and unsubstantiated claims. He/she formulates the problems of the field of cosmology professionally for both professionals and lay people. He/she is constantly striving to expand his/her knowledge and acquire new skills. d) Autonomy and responsibility: In the field of modern cosmology, he/she has a high degree of independence in elaborating comprehensive and special professional issues, representing and justifying professional views. He/she consciously and responsibly takes on the worldview of science. He/she is aware of the importance of scientific thinking and accurate conception, and he/she formulates his/her opinion taking these into account.
- Course content
- The course provides an insight into the general relativistic background of cosmology and the thermal history of the Universe, and outlines the connections of the field with particle physics. Students can also learn about the most recent results, unsolved problems, and observational projects in present day precision cosmology.
- Assessment method
- To successfully complete the course, students must solve and submit homework assignments during the semester, as well as they must participate in a written exam at the end of the semester.
- Bibliography
- - Chapter 7-8-9 of Dan Maoz's "Basic Astrophysics" book (Princeton University Press, 2007)
- Recommended bibliography
- - Bernard T. Jones: Precision Cosmology (Cambridge University Press, 2017) - Scott Dodelson: Modern Cosmology (Academic Press, 2003.)