Physics 133: Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology

  Winter 2014

This course presents the student with the standard cosmological model. The theory as well as its observational tests will be presented. Specific topics covered along the way will include, dark energy, dark matter, inflation, cosmic microwave radiation, structure formation, gravitational lensing.  The building blocks of extragalactic astrophysics, i.e. galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and large scale structures will also be discussed -- in the context of the cosmological model.

IMPORTANT: Prerequisites: completion of the lower-division prerequisite courses for the physics or engineering majors.

Course Material:

Introduction to Cosmology, by Barbara S. Ryden; Addison Wesley.

 Grading:

20% homework (click here for a list of homework assignments)
20% class participation
20% midterm
40% final

Grades will be assigned according to the following scheme:

 Policies:
Attendance is required. Please note that there will not be early or make-up exams. Calculators, lecture notes, and  the two text books are permitted on the midterm and final exams. Additional material and cell-phones are not allowed.  Homework is assigned weekly, and due on wednesdays at 4:00PM. No late homework will be accepted.

On the use of e-mail: e-mails to the professor should contain the word Physics133 in the subject. Please note that e-mails will be answered as soon as possible, but we cannot guarantee answers in less than 24 hours.

Reading assignments for each week can be found at the lecture schedule. In order to get the most out of the lectures, you must read each assignement before and after the lecture. The lectures will highlight the main points of the subjects, not necessarily cover all the topics in the readings. You are responsible for reading and understanding all the topics presented in the readings.
 

Useful Astro Surf Sites:

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