An Introduction to the Modern Cosmos ((3))

Catalog description

This course is a survey of basic concepts in modern cosmology, and how these fundamental ideas have changed the way in which people have thought about the world in which they live. The class starts with a brief historical overview of influential thoughts which have led the field from ancient beliefs and views to Newton's discoveries in the 1600s. The class further covers background material relating to the formation and lives of stars. Gravitation, Special, and General Relativity are then explored in broad terms. Topics of special interest are also discussed such as relevant experimental observations, the nature of space-time, and theoretical predictions such as black holes, gravitational waves, and dark energy and inflation. This course may not be used to satisfy physics major or minor requirements. 150 minutes lecture.