(in Polish) Introduction to modern cosmology 1100-IMC
In the series of lectures the following topics will be covered:
I. Introduction to modern cosmology (7 lectures) MB
1) Overview of modern cosmology from historical perspective: topics covered by 2 lectures
• cosmological paradoxes in Newtonian physics
• theoretical and observational pillars of modern cosmology
• expansion of the Universe
• Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
• Cosmic Microwave Background and earlier relics
• Dark Matter problem: evidences and candidates
• accelerated expansion of the Universe: Dark Energy - LambdaCDM concordance model
2) Theoretical pillar of cosmology: topics covered by 2 lectures
• General Relativity in a nutshell
• homogeneous and isotropic expanding Universe: Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker metric
• redshift and distances in cosmology; redshift drift: Loeb-Sandage test
• Friedmann equations
• cosmological horizons
• brief overview of inflation
3) Modern cosmological probes and tests: topic covered by 2 lectures
• determination of cosmological parameters
• idea of cosmological tests: Hubble diagram, Alcock-Paczynski test
• measuring distances at cosmological scales: standard candles: SN Ia, gamma ray bursts, tip of the red giant branch; standard rulers: statistical (BAO) and individual (compact radio sources, water masers); Tully-Fisher and Faber-Jackson relations; surface brightness fluctuations
• cosmic chronometers: differential ages of passively evolving galaxies
• gravitational lensing: basic notions, time delays, strong lensing + stellar kinematics
• galaxy clusters
4) Gravitational waves and cosmology (1 lecture)
• introduction to gravitational wave astrophysics
• primordial gravitational waves: mechanism of generation, properties and expected level
• stochastic background of gravitational waves: Pulsar Timing Arrays
• coalescing compact binary systems: standard sirens
• current vision of using gravitational wave signals as cosmological probes
II. Cosmic Microwave Background (3 lectures) PB
1) Physics of the Cosmic Microwave Background
2) Primary and secondary CMB anisotropies
3) CMB angular power spectrum
4) Relation with cosmological parameters and analysis of data
5) Status of CMB observations and future experiments
III. Galaxy surveys (1 lecture) KM
1) photometric and spectroscopic surveys,
2) redshift and stellar mass estimations
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
I. KNOWLEDGE
After completing the course, the student:
1. Knows the basics of the standard cosmological model;
2. Has proper understanding of the expansion of the universe, cosmological redshift, cosmological horizons
3. Is familiar with modern cosmological probes and tests
4. Understands relevance of gravitational waves in cosmology
5. Is familiar with CMB physics and methods of data analysis;
6. Knows the most important observational CMB data supporting the standard cosmological model and current challenges in CMB observations;
7. Is familliar with the estimation of photometrioc and spectroscopic redshifts, as well as stellar masses
II. SKILLS
Practical skills
After completing the course, the student:
1. Can apply knowledge of core concepts in physics and astrophysics to understand cosmology.
2. Can understand and critically assess papers on broad topics of modern cosmology;
3. Is able to interpret the publications of CMB experiments;
4. Is able to perform a basic CMB data analysis and understands computational methods and tools used in the analysis;
Social skills
Students understand the importance of cosmology in a broad astrophysical and social context and are able to discuss cosmological topics with experts, colleagues and laymen. Students are able to critically evaluate arguments presented in scientific and popular science discussions and articles.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: