waynehu
Professor,
Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics
University of Chicago
Introduction to Cosmology
Astro 243
TTh 2:00-3:20 KPTC 101
Office Hours: T 3:20-4:20
Grader: Huanqing Chen
The textbook for this course is Ryden: Introduction to Cosmology 2nd Edition,
Cambridge University Press 2017.
Grades will be based on problem sets
(50%), in class midterm (20%)
and final (30%).
Syllabus
Expansion of the Universe, Ch 2
Cosmic geometry, Ch 3,6
Cosmic dynamics and composition, Ch 4,5
Dark matter and energy, Ch 5,7
Midterm
Hot big bang and origin of species, Ch 9
Inflation, Ch 10
Cosmic microwave background, Ch 8
Gravitational instability and structure formation, Ch 11,12
Final: seniors (Thurs June 6, 9:30-11:30, ERC 583); regular (Thurs June 13, 1:30-3:30 KPTC 101)
Problem Sets
Problem sets will be posted here as the class progresses. Solution sets will be handed out in class.
PS 1: Due 4/11
PS 2: Due 4/18
PS 3: Due 4/25
PS 4: Due 5/02
PS 5: New Due Date 5/21
PS 6: Due 5/28
PS 7: Due 6/4 (via email to Huanqing)
PS 8: Due 6/6 (optional replaces your lowest PS, via email to me, or at senior exam)
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes to supplement the textbook (may be updated throughout the course)
Set 1: Expansion of the Universe
Set 2: Cosmic Geometry
Set 3: Cosmic Dynamics
Set 4: Dark Matter and Energy
Set 5: Hot Big Bang and Origin of Species
Set 6: Inflation
Set 7: CMB and Large Scale Structure
Set 8: Nonlinear Structure
Supplemental Material
Provided for background knowledge and/or advanced students (you are not responsible for this material)
Set 1: Statistical Mechanics
Set 2: Inflationary Perturbations