Course: Cosmology and Astrophysics

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Course title Cosmology and Astrophysics
Course code KEF/PRKA
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study 3
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 2
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Richterek Lukáš, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
Observed properties and structure of the Universe, brief summary of historical cosmological conceptions, Olbers paradox, cosmological principle, objects in the Universe, galaxies, types of galaxies, radio sources, observations in infrared and x-ray regions of the spectrum, homogeneity, isotropy and expansion of the Universe <li> Fiedmann models of the Universe, basic equations of the relativistic cosmology, types of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker models, cosmological red shift, Hubble Law, observation parameters of models (Hubble constant, deceleration parameter, density parameter, cosmological constant) and their measurements, age of the Universe, density of the Universe and problem of dark matter, basic ideas of some alternative cosmologies, anthropic principle <li> Early Universe, physical laws of initial phases of the Universe, recombination and relict microwave radiation, nucleon-synthesis of light elements, unified theory of physical interactions, spontaneous breaking of symmetry and Higgs mechanism, initial singularity, topological defects <li> Problems of standard model, inflation models, quantization of Friedmann universes, models of string cosmology <li> Basics of star astrophysics, radiant power and star magnitudes, span of basic characteristics, H-R diagram, mechanical equilibrium in stars, thermodynamic equilibrium and types of thermonuclear reactions, energy equilibrium and transfer of energy </ul>

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training)
  • Attendace - 13 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The aim is to describe observed properties and structure of the Universe, to give a brief summary of historical cosmological conceptions (the Olbers paradox, the cosmological principle), objects in the Universe (galaxies, types of galaxies, radio sources, observations in infrared and x-ray regions of the spectrum), homogeneity, isotropy and expansion of the Universe.
Knowledge Define the main ideas and conceptions of the subject, describe the main approaches of the studied topics, recall the theoretical knowledge for solution of model problems.
Prerequisites
Knowledge at the level of basic undergraduate course of physics.

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance

Passing the final test. Elaboration and handing in of all the homework tasks Report with a discussion on a selected topic
Recommended literature
  • Hartle, J.B. (2003). Gravity: An introduction to Einstein's general relativity. Addison Wesley, San Francisco.
  • Horský J., Novotný J., Štefaník M. (2001). Mechanika ve fyzice. Academia, Praha.
  • Liddle A. (1999). An introduction to modern cosmology. John Willey & Sons, Chichester.
  • Narlikar J.V. (1993). Introduction to cosmology. Cambridge Univ. Press.
  • Peacock J.A. (1999). Cosmological physics. Cambridge Univ. Press.
  • Richterek, L. (2013). Teorie relativity a astronomie. Olomouc: UP.
  • Ryden B. (2003). Introduction to Cosmology. San Francisco.
  • Weinberg S. (1972). Gravitation and Cosmology. John Wiley & Sons, New York.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): General Physics and Mathematical Physics (2019) Category: Physics courses 3 Recommended year of study:3, Recommended semester: Winter