This course begins with a brief review of tensor calculus and principles of the General theory of relativity, the Freidmann equation and the Robertson-Walker metric. Cosmological models including radiation, matter, and the cosmological constant and their properties are discussed. Observational parameters, the role of dark matter, and the cosmic microwave background, and nucleosynthesis in the early universe are studied. The flatness and the horizon problems are introduced and the role of inflation in the early universe is discussed. Finally, we discuss the origins and the role of density fluctuations in formation of large structures leading to the current Cosmological constant Cold Dark Matter model of the universe.
Course Prerequisite(s)
EN.615.748 Introduction to Relativity.
Course Offerings
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Waitlist Only
Cosmology
05/28/2024 - 08/22/2024
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