About Physics 198-40:
This epoch will no doubt become known as a "golden age of cosmology". Modern technology is allowing us to produce vast new datasets which have deep connections with bold new theoretical ideas.
Physics 198-40 with give students an introduction to this exciting field at
the advanced undergraduate level. Topics to include:
Course Format:
In 2001 & 2002, this course took the following form (in response to the wishes of the students):
After several introductory lectures, students took responsibility for continuing to learn the more basic material through independent reading (mainly of the text book). Lectures were highly informal, often completely driven by questions from the students. The lectures addressed more advanced topics in cosmology, as well as questions students had about the basic material and their projects.
I intend to continue this format in 2003.
Students who are looking for an upper division course on cosmology with a more
standard format should consider the new Phys 127 course to be taught by Prof.
L. Knox.
Main Textbook:The Early Universe Kolb and Turner (amazon page). N.B. This book is very advanced, and I will be providing you with more elementary background material. Remember, there are no prerequisites other than an upper division physics background. For a nice introduction on the web see: http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/cosmolog.htm
Optional Texts:
Units: 4
Grades: Letter only. The independent project will count for the entire course grade.
More info:
On the field of cosmology: start at the UCD cosmology group web page.
Projects: These will be individually planned for each student, with plenty of opportunity for discussions with Albrecht. Past projects have included: Learning to use existing computer packages to calculate predictions from cosmological theories, working through the derivation of some important cosmological result (i.e. the Friedmann equations), and producing a report on some topic in cosmology.
Links for more info: More info for projects
More info on the course: http://www.physics.ucdavis.edu/Cosmology/P198/
(this web page)
More questions: Please contact Albrecht at: albrecht@physics.ucdacis.edu
Important Note: Despite what you might read about 198 courses on the department web pages, this course IS marked with letter grades. ALSO, this course will be counted toward your physics degree like other electives. Taking this course will NOT prevent another 198 course from counting toward your physics degree requirements. If you are concerned about this, please contact the instructor, the Physics Dept. Office, or Prof. Potter for confirmation.
Copyright Prof.