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Theoretical Cosmology
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:41:52
Abstract
This is the second of a two course series which starts with "General Relativity" and continues in the spring with "Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology", where the focus will be on applying general relativity to cosmology as well as developing the modern theory of structure formation in a cold dark matter Universe.
Objective
Learning the fundamentals of modern physical cosmology. This entails understanding the physical principles behind the description of the homogeneous Universe on large scales in the first part of the course, and moving on to the inhomogeneous Universe model where perturbation theory is used to study the development of structure through gravitational instability in the second part of the course. Modern notions of dark matter and dark energy will also be introduced and discussed.
Content
The course will cover the following topics: - Homogeneous cosmology - Thermal history of the universe, recombination, baryogenesis and nucleosynthesis - Dark matter and Dark Energy - Inflation - Perturbation theory: Relativistic and Newtonian - Model of structure formation and initial conditions from Inflation - Cosmic microwave background anisotropies - Spherical collapse and galaxy formation - Large scale structure and cosmological probes
Resources
Literature
Suggested textbooks: H.Mo, F. Van den Bosch, S. White: Galaxy Formation and Evolution S. Carroll: Space-Time and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity S. Dodelson: Modern Cosmology Secondary textbooks: S. Weinberg: Gravitation and Cosmology V. Mukhanov: Physical Foundations of Cosmology E. W. Kolb and M. S. Turner: The Early Universe N. Straumann: General relativity with applications to astrophysics A. Liddle and D. Lyth: Cosmological Inflation and Large Scale Structure
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Theoretical Cosmology
**together with University of Zurich**
|
|
4 h weekly |
| exercise |
Theoretical Cosmology
**together with University of Zurich**
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Application Area (Only necessary and eligible for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. One of the application areas specified must be selected for the category Application Area for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. At least 8 credits are required in the chosen application area.)
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Theoretical Physics (In the Master's programme in Applied Mathematics 402-0204-00L Electrodynamics is eligible as a course unit in the application area Theoretical Physics, but only if 402-0224-00L Theoretical Physics wasn't or isn't recognised for credits (neither in the Bachelor's nor in the Master's programme). For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)
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Core Courses (One Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics from Physics Bachelor is eligible; however, this Core Course from Physics Bachelor cannot be used to compensate for the mandatory Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics. For the category assignment keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.)
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