VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

402-0383-00L 6 Credits

Astrophysical Cosmology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Simon Lilly
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:55:07

Content

The course is aimed at giving students an understanding of Big Bang cosmology from 10E-6 sec after the event to the present. Topics to be covered include: fundamental observations of the Universe; the Robertson-Walker metric and the Friedmann models; the thermal history of the Universe including the cosmic microwave background and primordial nucleosynthesis; shortcomings of the standard model and the concept of inflation; recent observational determinations of the cosmological parameters; the accelerating Universe; overview of structure formation in an expanding Universe, the CDM model. Knowledge of General Relativity is not required. The course will be in English.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Own script

Literature

Zusatzliteratur: - Introduction to Cosmology, Matts Roos, ISBN 0 471 94298, - Cosmological Physics, John A. Peacock, ISBN 0 521 42270 1, - Principles of Physical Cosmology, P.J.E. Peebles, ISBN 0 691 01933 9, - Galaxy Formation, Malcolm S. Longair, ISBN 3 540 63785 0

General Information

Language
English
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Astrophysical Cosmology
  • Wed 12:45-14:30 (HPP H 5)
2 h weekly
exercise Astrophysical Cosmology
  • Wed 13:45-15:30 (HPP H 6)
1 h weekly

Offered In