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Syllabus
Downloadable syllabus (
pdf
)
Course Objectives
This course will provide the basic physical principles of modern cosmology. The lectures will cover
the expansion of the universe, kinematical and thermodynamical evolution of the universe, the
Big Bang model, the origin of light elements, the cosmic microwave background, theory of
cosmological fluctuations, formation of large-scale structure, cosmic inflation, the origin of
cosmological fluctuations, dark matter and dark energy, and observational cosmology. Since
some topics require knowledge of special and general relativity, introduction to special and
general relativity needed for cosmology will be provided when it is necessary.
Prerequisites
Physics
Textbook
No required text book - lecture notes will be provided.
Class & Help Sessions
- Class meets at RLM 15.216B on TTh 2:00-3:30.
- Help sessions will be scheduled for help with the homework.
- Location: RLM 15.216B; Time: 5-6pm
Homework & Exams
- There will be 6 homework assignments. These will be written assignments
and reports. The assignments will involve problem-solving and math.
- Homework assignments will not be counted after the due date. Homework can be done
in groups (and I encourage this) but you must hand in your own work. Homeworks that are
duplicates will have severe penalties. You may get help on homework from the professor
or TA during office hours, help sessions, or by appointment.
- No mid-term or final exams.
Materials and Coursework
- The course grade will be evaluated on the basis of:
75% homework (6 homework assignments)
25% class attendance
- The lowest homework score will be dropped (so you can miss one homework).
- The following grading scale will be used: 80+=A; 70-79=B; 60-69=C; 50-59=D.
Any average below 50 is failing.
Class Attendance
- I will check your attendance by asking you to sign the class-attendance sheet at every class.
The class attendance will be counted toward the final grade.
- I strongly recommend that you attend classes. The lecture notes cover the materials only briefly
and are probably difficult for you to understand if you only read them and do not attend classes.
Although I will basically follow the contents of the lecture notes, many that are not in the notes will be
lectured in class.
- Please sit on the front seats - do not sit in the back! I will mainly use chalkboard, and the lecture
room is too large for you to read what I write on the chalkboard if you sit far in the back. Also, please
let me know if you cannot read things on the chalkboard.
- Feel free to ask any questions during or after lecture.
- Do not leave the lecture room until lecture ends.
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