Astronomy C1420, Spring 2002
     Galaxies and Cosmology
Hours: Tue-Thu 10:35-11:50 AM
Classroom: Pupin 1332

Syllabus in Postscript
Syllabus in PDF

Problem sets: scroll down!

Solutions to the Final Exam (PDF):
 Solutions to Final Exam
 

In this class, we will explore the Structure of our Galaxy, learn
about other nearby galaxies, and try to find out
their properties using simple physical arguments. First inklings of
the existence of Dark Matter. Then we'll step out
and climb the Cosmic Distance Ladder. We will learn about the
expansion of the Universe, Einstein's General Theory of Relativity,
the Big Bang, and the evolution of the Universe. We will look into the
recent discovery of evidence for the existence of Dark Energy. We'll
conclude by looking at Galaxy formation, and when and how the first
'galaxies' may have formed.

The beauty of astronomy is not merely confined to the beauty of the
images of nebulae, galaxies, clusters, etc. It is remarkable how much
we can learn about these objects by using simple quantitative
arguments (although there is also much that we don't yet
understand). We will see how physical ideas that were first worked out
to describe our everyday world apply far away, and how they force us
to include exotic ideas such as the Big Bang and Dark Matter into our
description of reality.
 

text:
No required textbook.
I will write up and distribute notes, so you're covered as far as the
technical details are concerned. There is no single textbook that covers
all the material, and at roughly the same level of detail.
Light from the Depths of Time by Rudolf Kippenhahn (Springer, 1987)
is a nice book, that covers large parts of what we will be discussing
(but without the quantitative arguments).
Unfortunately, it's out of print. With some searching, you
can find second hand copies for $15-20 on the web.
Foundations of Modern Cosmology by John F. Hawley and
Katherine A. Holcomb (Oxford University Press, 1998) has all the
quantitative details (and it's recent!). It's on reserve in the Physics and
Astronomy library (Pupin, 8th Floor), go take a look at it.

Homework:
Five problem sets, handed out in class and
posted on the web page; due one week later.
Grading: problems sets 30%, midterm 30%, final
40%.

Homework Problem Set 1: Due Thursday, February 14   Problem Set nr 1
Homework Problem Set 2: Due Thursday, March 7         Problem Set nr 2
Homework Problem Set 3: Due Thursday, April 18          Problem Set nr 3

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