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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MATH3532 Relativity and Cosmology
15 creditsClass Size: 110
Module manager: Prof Carmen Molina-Paris
Email: C.MolinaParis@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
Pre-requisites
| MATH2365 | Vector Calculus |
| PHYS1300 | Maths 2- Multivariable Calculus |
Module replaces
MATH3531 CosmologyThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module introduces students to the basic mathematics and physics of relativity and modern cosmology. The module will introduce the student to the geometrical theories underpinning our current knowledge of both black holes and the large-scale structure of our universe.Objectives
To introduce the student to the mathematics and physics of relativity and the large scale structure and motion of the universe.Learning outcomes
a) Understand the physical basis of light-speed invariance and the replacement of Galilean transformation by the special Lorentz transformation;
b) understand the connection between geometric concepts of curvature and distance and the large-scale matter content of the universe;
c) explain the main observational features of the expansion of the universe using the ideas of measurement of distance, parallax, Doppler shift and luminosity;
d) derive the Hubble Law from homogeneity and isotropy;
e) understand the meaning of Friedmann's equations (fluid equation and acceleration equation), solve these differential equations for the cosmological factor, and derive solutions for different matter content and curvatures.
Syllabus
The following core topics will be covered:
1. Outline of the current astronomical results on structure and composition of the Universe, the cosmological redshift, and the Hubble law.
2. The differential geometry of special and general relativity: Riemannian and Lorentzian geometries, four-dimensional manifolds.
3. Space, time, and gravity in Special Relativity, and General Relativity - an outline of key ideas and basic results. The concept of spacetime and its curvature. 3+1 representation of spacetime metric. The light cone, causality, space-time intervals.
4. Einstein's equations: curvature of spacetime and its matter content.
5. Cosmological solutions to Einstein's equations: the Walker-Robertson metric of uniform Universe and Friedmann's equations.
6. Expansion of the Universe. The Hubble constant and the deceleration parameter. The critical density.
7. Friedmann's models of open, flat and closed universes. The Big Bang theory. The cosmic microwave background radiation.
In addition to the above, further topics will be drawn from the following, or similar, as time allows:
8. Distances to sources with given redshift. The angular size and luminosity "distances". The cosmological horizon.
9. The Cosmological constant solution to Einstein's equations. The accelerating expansion of the Universe. Dark matter and dark energy.
10. Black hole solutions to Einstein's equations.
11. Gravitational waves as solutions to Einstein's equations. LIGO detection of gravitational waves.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 33 | 1.00 | 33.00 |
| Private study hours | 117.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Studying and revising of course material.Completing of assignments and assessments.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Regular problem solving assignmentsMethods of assessment
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 30/09/2019
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