CQX004 - Introduction to Cosmology
Event Information
Description
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:
- Tuesday, April 23
- Thursday, April 25
- Tuesday, April 30
- Thursday, May 2
- Tuesday, May 7 (featuring a special guest lecturer)
- Thursday, May 9
- Tuesday, May 14
- Thursday, May 16 - final class presentations
Organizer CosmoQuest
Organizer of CQX004 - Introduction to Cosmology
CosmoQuest is a community of people driven to advance our understanding of the universe; a community of people who are participating in doing science through citizen science projects, who are learning through seminars and classes, and who are working together to build a more scientific tomorrow. We are a production of the Planetary Science Institute, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to exploring our Solar System and Beyond. We are here thanks to the generous contributions of people like you. To learn more and donate today, please visit our website, cosmoquest.org.
