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 |
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Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2021-22 | Level 6 FHEQ | Second Semester | 15 |
Aims |
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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 |
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(LO1) The ability to explain the relationship between Newtonian gravity and Einstein's General Relativity (GR). |
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(LO2) Understanding of the concept of curved space time and knowledge of metrics. |
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(LO3) A broad and up-to-date knowledge of the basic ideas, most important discoveries and outstanding problems in modern cosmology. |
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(LO4) Knowledge of how simple cosmological models of the universe are constructed. |
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(LO5) The ability to calculate physical parameters and make observational predictions for a range of such models. |
Syllabus |
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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 |
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Teaching Method 1 - Lecture (online) Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial 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. |
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 |
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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 |
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Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. |