Cosmology Workshop 2015

Required Pre-course work:

Workshop Content:

This workshop will introduce cosmology, the study of the Universe as a whole. We will cover what modern observational and theoretical work has taught us about the origin, fate, and nature of the Universe. The pillars and successes of the Big Bang model will be examined in detail. Modern ideas about space, time, and gravity will also be explored.

Some key topics for discussion include the following:wmap

* The size and age of the Universe
* The darkness of the night sky and its implications
* The expansion of the Universe and the Big Bang
* The large-scale structure of the Universe
* The cosmic evolution of galaxies and quasars
* The Cosmic Microwave Background
* Creating the light elements in the Big Bang
* Dark matter on all scales
* Dark energy and the accelerating Universe
* The ultimate fate of the Universe
* The first stars, galaxies, and black holes
* The very early Universe and inflation
* The possibility of a Multiverse
* The future of cosmology
* Techniques for teaching cosmology in the classroom

In addition to the course notes, we will also assign readings in two related books:

Cosmology:  A Very Short Introduction by Peter Coles, Oxford University Press, 2001

Coles_Cosmology

The Infinite Cosmos by Joseph Silk, Oxford University Press, 2006

Silk_InfiniteCosmos