This course will introduce topics of current interest in Cosmic Microwave Background research: acoustic peaks in the primary anisotropy power spectrum, CMB polarization, and secondary anisotropy due to the large-scale structure in the universe.
 
 

Lecture Notes

Cosmic Microwave Background Review

On line CMB tutorials

Helper reference on FRW cosmology

Problem sets:  This is 60% of your grade
Final projects:     Oral Component: in class 25 min. presentations and
                        Written component: a write up of the presentation OR a web page with graphics.  This is 40% of your grade.
                        Decide on your topic by May 3.
 

Problem Set 1 Due April 12.

Problem Set 2 Due April 19.

Problem Set 3 Due April 26.

Problem Set 4 Due May 3.

Problem Set 5 Due May 10.

Final Problem Set 6 Due May 24.
 
 

Week 1: 3/29; 4/1 -- Overview

Week 2: 4/5; 4/8 -- FRW Cosmology

Week 3: 4/19; 4/22 -- Acoustic Kinematics

Week 4: 4/26; 4/29 -- Acoustic Dynamics

Week 5: 5/3; 5/6 -- Polarization

Week 6: 5/10; 5/13 -- Boltzmann codes

Week 7: 5/17; 5/20 -- Secondary Anisotropy

Week 8: 5/24; 5/27 -- Class Presentations