We are now accepting applications for Summer 2023.
The Origin and Evolution of the Universe
Modality:
Online
Session:
I. July 3–July 14, 2023
II. July 17–July 28, 2023
II. July 17–July 28, 2023
Day & Time:
Monday–Friday, 8:00–11:00 a.m. or 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Instructor(s):
to be announced
Prerequisites:
One year of high-school physics and calculus are strongly recommended. Experience with Python programming is useful for some of the in-class exercises, but not necessary.
Course Description
The origin and evolution of the Universe is one of the greatest (and oldest) questions ever asked. In a little over a century, cosmology has matured as a discipline due to improvements in our understanding of fundamental physics and technological advances allowing us to map the Universe in unprecedented detail and perform complex calculations. This course is an introductory review of the standard cosmological model, a quantitative description of the universe that explains with only six numbers a wide range of observed phenomena, from the chemical composition of the Universe, to the abundance and distribution of galaxies.
The course includes in-class interactive exercises to illustrate how simple mathematical models can shed light on seemingly complex systems. We will discuss how the ideas on which the standard model rests won over alternative ideas, and how scientists are still working to solve some outstanding puzzles, such as the unknown nature of dark matter and dark energy.
Registration Guidance & Call Number(s)
Please note, this course may have multiple classes being offered in a particular session. Students should only register for one class and with one call number.
To view detailed information on a particular offering, click on the call number to be directed to the Directory of Classes catalogue.
- ASTO0101 (D01) | Call Number: 10438
- ASTO0101 (D02) | Call Number: 10439
Further guidance on the registration process can be found here.
Instructor(s)
Specific course details such as topics, activities, hours, and instructors are subject to change at the discretion of the University. Not all instructors listed for a course teach all sections of that course.