ASTR 4080

PHYS 4080

Introduction to Cosmology

Autumn 2007

Instructors:

Lecture: Dave Kieda, 230 INSCC, x1-5220 kieda@physics.utah.edu

TA/grading: Eric Twarog

Web Site: http://www.physics.utah.edu/~kieda/phy4080y2007.htm

Office Hours:

WF 2 pm - 4 pm or by arrangement, 230 INSCC

Lecture Hours:

MWF 9:00 am -10:00 am 225 INSCC

Recommended Textbook:

An Introduction to Modern Galactic Astrophysics and Cosmology (Second Edition) Carroll and Ostlie,(Addison Wesley 2007; ISBN 0-8053-0347-2) Available at the bookstore.

Supplemental Texts:

(I will try to get these on reserve at the Mariott Library)

The Structure and Evolution of Galaxies Steven Phillips (Wiley 2005).

This is a good reference book for more in depth questions regarding galactic structure, classification, population studies and galactic evolution.

Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology: An Introduction Peter Schneider (Springer 2006). A good second reference for this course. The book contains a good description of all key concepts in extragalactic astronomy and cosmology, but does not delve too deeply into mathematical formalisms and proofs. If you wanted to look up a particular effect that is mentioned in the literature and have a 1-2 paragraph summary of the topic, this book would be a good resource.

An Introduction to Cosmology Liddle (Cambridge University Press 2003).

A small paperback book which has a nice description of how to mathematically understand the Friedman equations. I had thought of using this as the textbook for the cosmology part of the course, and will probably derive a few lectures from it.

Galaxies in the Universe: An Introduction (Second Edition) L. S. Sparke and J. S. Gallagher, III (Cambridge University Press 2007). I will probably prepare some lecture material from this book as well. The book is also available at the bookstore.

General Comments:

This course provides the student with a background in cosmology and extragalactic astronomy. The course is organized as a series of lectures. Topics covered include the structure of the Milky Way galaxy, the classification scheme of Galaxies, the structure, evolution and distribution of galaxies, and origin and evolution of the universe. Topics discussed will include experimental evidence for Big Bang cosmology, and topics of current research in cosmology including dark matter and dark energy. We also will discuss the phenomenology of quasars and active galactic nuclei.

This course is appropriate for students who have completed the introductory physics (PHYS 2210/2220). It is recommended that students have completed an Introductory Astronomy Course (PHYS 1060) as well as be concurrently enrolled in a course in Modern Physics and Relativity (PHYS 3740). However, we will introduce key concepts from PHYS 3740 as needed, including elements of statistical and quantum mechanics, and special and general relativity. Consequently PHYS 3740 is only a recommended pre-requisite.

This course is part of the Astronomy Minor Degree; in order to complete the Astronomy Minor you will also need to take PHYS/ASTR 3090 (Stellar Astrophysics) and PHYS/ASTR 4060 (Observational Astronomy). Please note that Stellar Astrophysics is NOT a prerequisite for this course.

Schedule:

This is an approximate schedule, check the web site for the most up-to-date schedule

Week #	Week Beginning	Lecture Topics	Textbook Chapters	Homework Assignment #	Homework Solution #
1	8/20/07	Coordinate systems, Orbital mechanics	1,2.1-2.3	1
*2	8/27/07	Virial theorem, tidal interactions, binary stars	2.4-2.6	2	1
3	9/5/07 (No Class Sept 3)	Blackbody radiation, magnitude scale, color indicies	3	3	2
4	9/10/07	Quantum mechanics, Hertzberg Russel diagram	5	4	3
5	9/17/07	Formation of spectral lines	6	5	4
6**	9/24/07	Special relativity	5	6	5
7	10/1/07	General relativity	9	7	6
8	10/8/07	Semester Break No classes
**9	10/15/07	Structure of the Milky way Galaxy	10	8	7
10	10/22/07	Galaxy Classification	11	9	8
11	10/29/07	Galactic Evolution	12		9
12	11/5/07	Structure of the Universe	13.1,13.2
13	11/12/07	Galaxy clusters, AGN	13.3, 14.1	10
***14	11/19/07	AGN unification, radio lobes, AGN evolution	14.2,14.3	11	10
15	11/26/07	Newtonian Cosmology, Microwave Background	15.1, 15.2	12	11
16	12/3/07	Relativistic and Observational Cosmology	15.3, 15.4		12
17	12/10/07	Final Exam Week			Final
*	8/29/07	Last Day to Drop (delete) Class
**	10/19/07	Last Day to withdraw from Class
***	11/22-11/24	Thanksgiving Holiday, No classes

Problem Sets:

Each week there will be a short problem assignment. The problem sets will be posted on Friday of the week and will be due on the subsequent Friday in class. Solutions will be posted on the class web site after the Friday class. Problem sets will be short and should be able to be done in a couple hours per set. Group and collaborative discussion of the problems is encouraged; however, each individual should hand in their own solution (which should not be a copy of a common solution). Discuss the problems, how to solve, and help each other when each other is stuck; but do not let others blindly copy your solutions. You need to hand in your own work, group homework solutions are not allowed.

Office hours with the instructor and the TA are available for discussing the problem set; students are encouraged to seek out the lecturer or the AT during their office hours to discuss lecture material and problem sets. Additional consultation time can be arranged by calling ahead of time or sending an email to set up an appointment.

Grading:

Grading will be based upon two factors:

1) Homework (50%)

2) In-class midterms (25%)

3) Final exam (25%)

Students with Disabilities:

The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.

All written information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.

Accommodation Policy:

This course involves discussion of the structure, origin, and evolution of the Universe based upon physical principles and observations. All students are expected to engage in an understanding of the subject matter from the scientific perspective. No individual accommodations in course content will be allowed.