PHYS 32142

>< Type/ Status : Elective/Auxiliary*
>< Title : Introduction to Cosmology and Astrophysics
>< Objectives :
At the end of course, students will understand the laws of physics which govern the observed behaviour of the universe and its constituents.
>< Course Content :

Constituents of the universe: stars and galaxies, Distribution of galaxies in space, The structure of the Milky Way Galaxy, Weighing galaxies. Units and distance measurements in cosmology: Hubble's law, Distance from velocity measurements, Distance from apparent luminosity. The tools of Astronomy; Telescopes, Telescope size, Radio Astronomy, Interferometry. Spectroscopy in cosmology. Red shift and the expansion of the universe. Formation, evolution and death of stars. Geodesics and curved spaces. Black holes and pulsars. Histories of model universes; Steady state theory and big bang theory, Cosmic microwave background and ripples, Standard model. Nuclear synthesis in the early universe. Life in the universe and search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The future of the universe; Existing theories.

>< Methodology : A combination of lectures and tutorial discussions.
>< Scheme of Evaluation : End of semester written examination.
>< Recommended Reading :
1. Berry, M. V. (1989). Principles of Cosmology and Gravitation, IOP publishing Ltd.
2. Chaisson, E. and McMillan, S. (2002). Astronomy Today, John-Wiley.
3. Giancoli, D. C. (1998). Physics, Prentice Hall.
* Availability of the course unit will be announced by the Department at the beginning of the each academic year.

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