CFU
6
Length
14 Weeks
Semester DD
First
- Introduction to the course and review of Friedmann equations (2 hours)
- Cosmic Inflation (4 hours)
- Hot Big Bang model (4 hours)
- Gravitational instabilities for structure formation in general relativity and in the Newtonian approach (10 hours)
- Correlation function and power spectrum of density fluctuations. The biased galaxy formation. Gaussian statistic and initial conditions (6 hours)
- Evolution of the power spectrum in different cosmological models (12 hours)
- Redshift surveys and baryonic acoustic oscillations. Current and future observations. Expected results from Euclid (4 ore)
- Introduction to the physics of the cosmic microwave background radiation anisotropies. Current and upcoming observations (Planck, Simons Observatory and LiteBIRD) (6 hours)
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The course is aimed at providing specialized and advanced preparation in modern cosmology. This includes a good knowledge of cosmological models dominated by dark matter and dark energy, cosmic inflation, and modern theories of the formation and evolution of the universe's large-scale structure. Particular attention will be paid to understanding the physical mechanisms and statistical tools necessary to interpret the main observational results, such as those relating to the large-scale distribution of galaxies and the anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB).
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The course offers a theoretical training base, necessary to acquire all the required mathematical tools. Students must also develop an in-depth understanding of the experimental and observational aspects that validate the development of the theoretical part.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The student must master the mathematical tools necessary to formulate specific predictions for some of the main cosmological observables, as well as use observations to constrain models. This close connection between mathematical tools and observations allows the student to achieve a full understanding of the course content, even of its more formal parts.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
Students must be able to independently derive the main results presented in class and the demonstrations, making the necessary approximations and recognizing their limits of validity.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Students must be able to explain the topics of the program clearly and correctly. They must also be able to unambiguously present the logical process and conclusions of the analysis of a problem in physics.
LEARNING SKILLS:
Students must demonstrate that they know how to research and integrate content present in different sources, such as textbooks, the WEB and scientific articles suggested as in-depth analysis of specific topics and which are aimed at developing a more research-oriented study. In addition, the ability to rework and extend the examples of applications proposed in class is essential. The course content also offers students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with aspects ranging from general relativity to statistical mechanics, and with various techniques that find relevant applications in other fields of physics.