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| SPAT0010-1 | Theoretical physical cosmology
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| Duration : | 40h Th |
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| Credits/ECTS : |
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| Holder(s) : | Christian Barbier, Michel Tytgat |
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| Coordinator : | Christian Barbier |
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| Language : | French language |
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| Course contents : | The Course shall provide an introduction to various theoretical aspects of modern cosmology. We thereby hope to convince the student that the birth and evolution of the Universe are topics that can be studied with some confidence using scientific methods.
The Course shall comprise two parts, the first one devoted to the standard cosmological model, the second on the very early universe, and the third on current topics in cosmology. |
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| Course objective : | The Course shall comprise three parts, one on the standard cosmological model, (incl. dark energy), the second on the very early universe, the third to current topics in cosmology.
Part 1 : the standard cosmological model (C. Barbier)
Brief remainder of general relativity : spacetime metrics and gravitaional field, equations of motion (geodesics), field equations.
Main observational data : red shift of galaxy spectra, cosmological radiation background, abundances of elements, matter and radiation in the present universe.
The cosmological problem. Need of symplifying hypotheses : spatial homogeneity and isotropy, intuitive derivation of the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker metrics, cosmological kinematics
Cosmological dynamics : field equations, equation of state, some solution (with and without cosmological cosntant).
Introduction to cosmological tests : distances, m-z relation (Hubble-Sandage diagram), current results (accelerated expansion, black energy).
The standard model : introduction to elementary particles and interactions, cosmological eras, decouplings, cosmological nucleosynthesis.
Part 2 : the very early universe (C. Barbier)
The study of the very early universe requires the law (known or still to be formulated) of fundamental interactions.
In this part, we will begin by reviewing some problems of the standard model based on recent cosmological data (geometry and horizons, baryons and dark matter, accelerated expansion). Then we will show how fundamental interactions can provide plausible solutions to these problems (baryogenesis, dark matter and inflation). We will also describe the contribution brought by the observation of the cosmic microwave background anisotropies.
Part 3 : current topics in cosmology (M. Tytgat) |
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| Prerequisites : | Standard background of a graduate student in physics, including basics of general relativity, thermodynamics and statistical physics. More specific topics are dealed with whenever necessity arises, without entering into mathematical complications more relevant to a course at the 3d Cycle level. |
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| Workshops : | Not applicable for this Course. |
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| Organization : | The Course shall be offered in lessons of 2 hours, 1 lesson per week, the calendar still to be defined.
The first two parts shall be teached by C. Barbier, the third part by M. Tytgat. |
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| Written notes : | Copy of Powerpoint presentation materials. |
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| Assessment : | Oral examination comprising two questions, prepared by the student with the help of his lecture notes, then presented to the examinator for discussion. |
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| Contacts : | cbarbier@ulg.ac.be
mtytgat@ulb.ac.be |
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| Remarks : | None |
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