Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title RELATIVITY AND COSMOLOGY
Code PHYS374
Coordinator Dr AF Font
Physics
Andreea.Font@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce the ideas of general relativity and demonstrate its relevance to modern astrophysics; to provide students with a full and rounded introduction to modern observational cosmology; to develop the basic theoretical background required to understand and appreciate the significance of recent results from facilities such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) The ability to explain the relationship between Newtonian gravity and Einstein's General Relativity (GR).

(LO2) Understanding of the concept of curved space time and knowledge of metrics.

(LO3) A broad and up-to-date knowledge of the basic ideas, most important discoveries and outstanding problems in modern cosmology.

(LO4) Knowledge of how simple cosmological models of the universe are constructed.

(LO5) The ability to calculate physical parameters and make observational predictions for a range of such models.


Syllabus

 

The physical basis of General Relativity (GR). The need for relativistic ideas and a theory of gravitation. Difficulties with Newtonian mechanics and the inadequacy of special relativity. Mach's principles, Einstein's principle of equivalence. Curved spacetime Geodesics, curved spaces, the metric tensor and the relationship between curvature and gravitation. Schwarzschild Metric. Introduction to Cosmology The origin and fate of the Universe. From Pythagoras to Herschel. Assumptions underlying the modern cosmology. Galaxies, clusters and superclusters. Geometry of the Universe Euclidean and curved spaces. Robertson-Walker (RW) metric. Expansion and the Hubble law. Redshift as a consequence of RW metric. Cosmological angular diameter-distance and luminosity-distance relations. Dynamical evolution The dynamical equations. The Friedmann models, open, closed, Einstein-de Sitter cases. Definition of Qo and Wo. The age of the Universe. Proper luminosity and angular distances in t erms of Ho and z. Minimal angular diameter. Horizon size. Determinations of cosmological parameters. The distance scale. Limits on qo and Wo. The Hot Big Bang Matter and radiation dominated eras. Nucleosynthesis in the early universe. Cosmic Background Radiation (CBR). Brief history of the Universe from the Planck time to the present day. The New Cosmology Variations on the Standard Model. Inflation. Grand Unified Theories. The Anthropic Principle. The Cosmological Constant. The History of Structure Density fluctuations at early times. Hot and cold dark matter. Results of numerical simulations. Matter on large scales. Evidence for dark matter. Clustering seen in various surveys. Gravitational lensing.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture (online)
Description: Mostly normal lectures but also some problems classes in the timetabled lecture slots
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Small classroom setting in smaller groups to go through and discuss set problems.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

The module will be delivered remotely in 2021. Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE. The module will have regular synchronous sessions in active learning mode.
We are planning no changes to module content compared to previous years, and expect students to spend a similar amount of time-on-task compared to previous years. These changes will mainly constitute a rebalancing of hours from scheduled directed learning hours to unscheduled directed learning hours as students will have some flexibility as to when they access asynchronous materials.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 32

  4

      36
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
time-controlled online examination  3 hours on task    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Written assignment from a choice of about 6 questions/topics. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2, about   up to 2000 words    40       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.