ASTR 006. Introductory Cosmology

A half-semester introductory course on cosmology, with an emphasis on the basics of standard Big Bang cosmology, its theoretical framework, and its observational underpinnings. Topics covered will include a qualitative treatment of general relativity, a Newtonian derivation of the Friedmann equation and associated solutions for model universes, the expansion of the Universe, the cosmic microwave background, and big-bang nucleosynthesis. We also will explore more recent observational measurements of the properties of dark matter and dark energy as well as the growth of structure in the Universe. This course is intended for first-year students who are considering physics, astrophysics, or astronomy majors but it is suitable for other students with similar backgrounds and interests as well.
Prerequisite: (or Concurrently) MATH 025 or equivalent; some classical physics, at least at the high school level. No astronomy background is presumed.
0.5 credit.
Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy

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