To introduce the ideas of general relativity and demonstrate its relevance to modern astrophysics; to provide students with a full and rounded introduction to modern observational cosmology; to develop the basic theoretical background required to understand and appreciate the significance of recent results from facilities such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe.

(LO1) The ability to explain the relationship between Newtonian gravity and Einstein's General Relativity (GR).

(LO2) Understanding of the concept of curved space time and knowledge of metrics.

(LO3) A broad and up-to-date knowledge of the basic ideas, most important discoveries and outstanding problems in modern cosmology.

(LO4) Knowledge of how simple cosmological models of the universe are constructed.

(LO5) The ability to calculate physical parameters and make observational predictions for a range of such models.

The physical basis of General Relativity (GR). The need for relativistic ideas and a theory of gravitation. Difficulties with Newtonian mechanics and the inadequacy of special relativity. Mach's principles, Einstein's principle of equivalence. Curved spacetime Geodesics, curved spaces, the metric tensor and the relationship between curvature and gravitation. Schwarzschild Metric. Introduction to Cosmology The origin and fate of the Universe. From Pythagoras to Herschel. Assumptions underlying the modern cosmology. Galaxies, clusters and superclusters. Geometry of the Universe Euclidean and curved spaces. Robertson-Walker (RW) metric. Expansion and the Hubble law. Redshift as a consequence of RW metric. Cosmological angular diameter-distance and luminosity-distance relations. Dynamical evolution The dynamical equations. The Friedmann models, open, closed, Einstein-de Sitter cases. Definition of Qo and Wo. The age of the Universe. Proper luminosity and angular distances in t erms of Ho and z. Minimal angular diameter. Horizon size. Determinations of cosmological parameters. The distance scale. Limits on qo and Wo. The Hot Big Bang Matter and radiation dominated eras. Nucleosynthesis in the early universe. Cosmic Background Radiation (CBR). Brief history of the Universe from the Planck time to the present day. The New Cosmology Variations on the Standard Model. Inflation. Grand Unified Theories. The Anthropic Principle. The Cosmological Constant. The History of Structure Density fluctuations at early times. Hot and cold dark matter. Results of numerical simulations. Matter on large scales. Evidence for dark matter. Clustering seen in various surveys. Gravitational lensing.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Mostly normal lectures but also some problems classes in the timetabled lecture slots
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Small classroom setting in smaller groups to go through and discuss set problems.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 – Workshop

Description: Large classroom setting to go through and discuss set problems. 
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 4 – Formative assessments
Description: Problem sets where students receive written feedback

All lecture notes made available from beginning of module via VLE.

All lectures are recorded, and can be streamed by the students via the VLE within 1 day of the lecture.

All problem sets, whether formative or summative, are made available via VLE 1 week in advance of due date. Model solutions the problems are released 1 week after deadline, via VLE.

Writte n feedback on formative assessments.