Duration
40h Th
Number of credits
| Master in space sciences (120 ECTS) | 4 crédits |
Lecturer
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit 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.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
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, dark 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)
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
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.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Since cosmology involves various domains, the course shall aim to develop the student's multidiciplinary approach of a scientific discipline.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
The Course shall be offered in lessons of 2 hours, 1 lesson per week, according to the calendar made accessible to the students. The first two parts shall be teached by C. Barbier, the third part by M. Tytgat.
Recommended or required readings
1) Copy of presentation materials. These slides are updated each year, an electronic version will be made available via the sudent portal. 2) These materials are self-contained, however the references of the textbooks used for preparing the course shall be provided, without any obligation to consult them.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination comprising two questions, prepared by the student with the help of his lecture notes, then presented to the examinator for discussion.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
None
Contacts
cbarbier@uliege.be mtytgat@ulb.ac.be
Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session
Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning
Assessment subjects
Assessment methods
Oral examination via LifeSize
Contacts
Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session
Assessment subjects
Delimited by a list of questions concerning matters covered during the course and sent to the students
Assessment methods
Oral examination via LifeSize, 2 questions from the list sent to the students
Contacts
cbarbier@uliege.be