Cosmology

Teacher(s)

Ringeval Christophe;

Language

English
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Main themes

This teaching unit introduces the students to current cosmological observations and to the Friedmann-Lemaître model at the root of physical cosmology. In particular, we show how the expansion of the Universe and the relative abundances of the light nuclei can be predicted from the laws of physics. The agreement between these predictions and the actual measurements have been the first validation of the hot Big-Bang model, but they also support the existence of new forms of matter and energy, referred to as "dark".

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	a.     Contribution of the teaching unit to the learning outcomes of the programme (PHYS2M and PHYS2M1) 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 5.3, 7.3. b.    Specific learning outcomes of the teaching unit At the end of this teaching unit, the student will be able to : check and derive cosmological results assuming a homogeneous Universe ; calculate distances and angles in Friedmann-Lemaître metrics ; write down and solve Boltzmann equations in Friedmann-Lemaître metrics ; correctly estimate relic abundances for hot or cold relics, given a cross-section ; tackle down basic calculations in general relativity in highly symmetric space-times.

Content

The content of the teaching unit provides all the tools needed to understand the homogeneous cosmology of the last century. This includes the theoretical foundations of the Big-Bang model of Friedmann and Lemaître, propagation of photons in homogeneous space-times, decoupling of hot and cold relics from the primordial plasma, as well as details of Big-Bang nucleosynthesis processes.

Lectures start from the following tree :

• The observed Universe
• Cosmological principle and kinematics
• Dynamics of Friedmann-Lemaître space-times
• Thermal history of the Universe

• Kinetic theory in curved space-time
• Freeze-out of interactions and relics

• Big-Bang nucleosynthesis

• Predicting the abundance of light elements
• Yet another evidence for dark matter

Teaching methods

Teaching activities are alternating between traditional lecturing and guided learning. Calculations are detailed on the black board, in interacting style, while multimedia support is provided for numerical and data analysis results.

Evaluation methods

Evaluation is based on a 2 hours long written exam that is focused on solving typical problems in homogeneous cosmology with some amount of guidance. The problems require to be able to extend the techniques presented in the teaching unit to original and new questions, as well as abilities to correctly perform basic calculations in general relativity.

Bibliography

• • “Fundamentals of Cosmology”, Rich.
  • “Primordial Cosmology”, premiers chapitres, Peter & Uzan.
  • “The Early Universe”, Kolb & Turner.
  • “Principles of Physical Cosmology”, premiers chapitres, Peebles.
  • “A First Course in General Relativity”, Schutz.

Faculty or entity

PHYS