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PHY-30001 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 24 April 2024

PHY-30001 - Cosmology
Coordinator: Coel Hellier Room: LJ2.04 Tel: +44 1782 7 34243
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

The student should develop a knowledge of modern cosmology at the appropriate level for an undergraduate, should understand how cosmology fits into wider physics, should be aware of the observational data underpinning cosmology, should be able to apply mathematical models to cosmology and should be able to problem-solve topics related to cosmology.

Barred Combinations

describe and understand cosmological models: 1,2
describe and understand observations relevant to cosmology: 1,2
apply mathematical techniques to cosmology; make calculations regarding cosmology: 1,2
solve problems related to cosmology: 1,2

Description for 2024/25

This module explores the nature and evolution of the universe as a whole. It covers the Friedmann equation that describes the expansion of space, the origin of our universe in a Big Bang, and the evolution of the universe since the Big Bang. Topics include the very early universe and inflation, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background, dark matter, dark energy, and the origin of galaxies.

Aims
24 hours lectures/tutorials. 30 hours directed study on problem sheets. 2 hours examination. 94 hours independent study.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-30001/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

A successful student should be able to demonstrate systematic understanding of the cosmological observations
and be able to apply physics principles to the universe as a whole [1, 2].
A successful student should be able to calculate conditions in the universe at different times and use
mathematics to relate the theory with the observations [1, 2].

Study hours

Successful completion of Level 2 Physics/Astrophysics

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
4 PROBLEM SHEETS
Four problem sheets weighted 20%

2: Exam weighted 80%
UNSEEN EXAM
2 hour Unseen examination weighted 80%.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 24 April 2024