Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - PHYS 881 G100

Special Topics I (3)

Modern Cosmology

Class Number: 5166

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, Wed, 4:30–5:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

The aim of the course is to cover topics in cosmology that are actively investigated today, both from the theoretical and observational perspectives. The course will be largely self-contained, however, basic knowledge of General Relativity will be assumed.

 

The plan is to start with a brief review of the basic building blocks of the current cosmological model and various types of observations that support it. Then the focus will be on the unsolved problems in cosmology, such as dark matter and dark energy, the cosmological constant problem, inflationary model building, search for gravity waves, cosmic magnetic fields and others. In each case, we will examine the current state of the theoretical understanding of the problem as well as the kind of observations that are, or will be, available to test the theory.

Grading

  • Homework 60%
  • Personal project and paper 40%

NOTES:


 

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS