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2025-2026 / SPAT0010-1

Cosmology

Duration

15h Th, 5h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in space sciences, research focus2 crédits 
 Master in space sciences, professional focus 2 crédits 

Lecturer

Guillaume Mahler

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Cosmology examines the universe as a unified physical system. We will analyze its key evolutionary epochs, including baryogenesis and the formation of the first elements. The course covers how the cosmic microwave background and baryon acoustic oscillations provide crucial observational constraints on early universe conditions.

We will examine structure formation processes that shaped the present-day universe. Through detailed study of the ?CDM cosmological model, we will have a brief overview of other theoretical model and examine their relative ability explaining observations.

The course addresses the nature of dark energy and dark matter, examining how gravitational lensing observations constrain models of these dominant cosmic components.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Understand the development of the Universe and describe its key evolutionary epochs
Detail the creation of the CMB and identify factors that affect its signal during propagation to Earth
Understand the concept of structure freeze-out and explain why specific scales emerge
Comprehend the role of dark matter in current cosmology and describe detection methods
Explain baryon acoustic oscillations and their cosmological significance
Understand and be able to explain the challenges and the link between the dark energy, the Hubble constant, and the accelerated expansion of the universe

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

In-person lecture

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Course materials posted weekly on eCampus

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Further information:

Exam solely in session

The final exam consists of an individual oral examination. Students will be asked questions to assess their understanding of the lecture material.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

None

Contacts

Guillaume Mahler: guillaume.mahler@uliege.be - B5c 1/11

Association of one or more MOOCs