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Syllabus
The syllabus is also available as a download —
pdf
Course Objectives
This course provides an overview of the basic physical picture as well as historical accounts
of classic and modern cosmology. Cosmology has been one of the central interest of human
beings. Ancient people had a very different picture of the universe than we have now. Since
then, our picture of the universe has evolved tremendously as our understanding of physics
has advanced, while at early times religious reasons were also necessary to develop
cosmological models. Recently, cosmology has entered a new era with precision observations,
which reveal new cosmological puzzles that will probably lead us to discover new physics.
The lectures will cover cosmological models, expansion of the universe, redshifts, the early universe,
cosmic inflation, dark matter and energy, special and general relativity, as well as stars, galaxies,
quasars and black holes.
Prerequisites
AST301, 302, or 303, or an equivalent descriptive introduction to astronomy of one semester or more.
Textbook
Cosmology, 2nd edition
Author: Edward Harrison
Cambridge University Press
Class & Help Sessions
- Class meets at WEL 3.502 on MWF 9-10.
- Help sessions will be scheduled for help with the homework and exams.
- Location: RLM 15.216B; Time: 5-6pm
Homework & Exams
- There will be 5 homework assignments. These will be written assignments and reports. All written assignments
must be in computer-generated format - no hand written work. Some of the assignments may 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 (or anything else) from the professor or TA during office hours, help sessions, or
by appointment.
- The midterm and final will consist of multiple choices. The penalty for cheating on an exam is a score of zero for
the exam, and the zero will be included to calculate the final grade.
Grading
- The course grade will be evaluated on the basis of:
50% homework (5 homework assignments due Feb 18, Mar 11, Apr 1,15,29)
25% midterm (Mar 21)
25% final (May 6)
- Midterm and Final exams will be multiple-choice questions. There will be make-up examinations ONLY for
students with valid excuses. (Reasons for absence must be presented in advance of examination.) The lowest homework
score will be dropped (so you can miss one homework).
- The following grading scale will be used: 90+=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D. Any average
below 60 is failing.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: the new grading scale has been adopted: 85+=A;
75-84=B; 65-74=C; 55-64=D. Any average below 54 is failing. (Eiichiro
Komatsu; April 4)
Class Attendance
- I strongly recommend that you attend classes. The textbook covers the materials only broadly and is probably
difficult for you to understand if you only read it and do not attend classes. Although I will basically follow the contents
of the textbook, many that are not in the book will be lectured in class.
- Please sit on the front seats - do not sit in the back! I will often 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 questions during or after lecture. Sometimes I do not notice that you are raising your hand, so
please call my name when I do not seem to recognize you.
- Please do not leave the lecture room until lecture ends.
Course Schedule
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