Astro-2: History of the Universe

  Spring 2006

This course presents the student with our current understanding of the history of the Universe. The main focus of the course will be the Big Bang model and its observational tests. Specific topics covered along the way will include, dark energy, dark matter, inflation, cosmic microwave radiation, structure formation, gravitational lensing. 

IMPORTANT: Astro-1 is an essential prerequisite for this course. Students are required to be familiar with the concepts and language of astrophysics at  the level  of the  Astro-1 text book Universe, chapters 1 through 25, with special emphasis on chapters 19 to 25. 

Course Material:

Universe, 7th edition, by Freedman & Kaufmann
The Big Bang, 3rd edition, by Joseph Silk (available from Amazon)

 Grading:

25% homework (click here for a list of homework assignments) and discussion sessions
5%  class participation
15% midterm-1
15% midterm-2
40% final

5% Extra credit

Grades will be assigned according to the following scheme:

 Policies:
Attendance is required. Please note that there will not be early or make-up exams. Calculators, lecture notes, and  the two text books are permitted on the midterm and final exams. Additional material and cell-phones are not allowed.  Homework is assigned weekly, and due on fridays at 4:00PM. No late homework will be accepted.

On the use of e-mail: e-mails to the professor  should contain the word Astro-2 in the subject. Please note that e-mails will be answered as soon as possible, but we cannot guarantee answers in less than 24 hours.

Reading assignments for each week can be found at the lecture schedule. In order to get the most out of the lectures, you must read each assignement before and after the lecture. The lectures will highlight the main points of the subjects, not necessarily cover all the topics in the readings. You are responsible for reading and understanding all the topics presented in the readings.
 

Useful Astro Surf Sites:

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