CQX004 - Introduction to Cosmology

NEWS: we're pushing back the start of the class to April 23! For the full class schedule, see below.

Instructor: Dr. Matthew Francis

Synopsis: Cosmology is the study of the structure, contents, and evolution of the Universe as a whole. But what do cosmologists really study? In this 8-session course, we'll look at cosmology from an astronomy point of view: taking what seems like too big of a subject and showing how we can indeed study the Universe scientifically. The starting point is the smallest chunk of the Universe that is representative of everything we can see: the Cosmic Box.

Topics include (in no particular order):

What do we mean by "the Universe"?

What are the contents of the Universe? How do they affect its evolution and structure?

Ordinary matter

Dark matter and dark energy

Just what do we mean when we say "the Universe is expanding"?

The age of the Universe

How do we measure cosmic distances?

Standard candles and standard rulers

Why are galaxies not spread out randomly? Why are there galaxies at all?

How can we understand the history of the Universe? How will it end (if it does)?

Meeting times: 9-10 PM, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Course dates:

1. Tuesday, April 23
2. Thursday, April 25
3. Tuesday, April 30
4. Thursday, May 2
5. Tuesday, May 7 (featuring a special guest lecturer)
6. Thursday, May 9
7. Tuesday, May 14
8. Thursday, May 16 - final class presentations