A Course in Cosmology
From Theory to Practice

A pedagogical approach to cosmology that integrates theory with computational and data-analysis techniques, to prepare readers for further research.

Dragan Huterer (Author)

9781316513590, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 March 2023

436 pages
26 x 20.9 x 2.5 cm, 1.24 kg

'A complete guide to form the next generation of well-rounded cosmologists. This book is a unique combination of theoretical, observational, and statistical aspects, with pedagogical and extensive descriptions of modern statistical methods in cosmology.' Alessandra Silvestri, Leiden University

This new graduate textbook adopts a pedagogical approach to contemporary cosmology that enables readers to build an intuitive understanding of theory and data, and of how they interact, which is where the greatest advances in the field are currently being made. Using analogies, intuitive explanations of complex topics, worked examples and computational problems, the book begins with the physics of the early universe, and goes on to cover key concepts such as inflation, dark matter and dark energy, large?scale structure, and cosmic microwave background. Computational and data analysis techniques, and statistics, are integrated throughout the text, particularly in the chapters on late-universe cosmology, while another chapter is entirely devoted to the basics of statistical methods. A solutions manual for end-of-chapter problems is available to instructors, and suggested syllabi, based on different course lengths and emphasis, can be found in the Preface. Online computer code and datasets enhance the student learning experience.

Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I. Foundations: 1. Introduction to cosmology
2. The Hubble law and geometry of space
3. Contents of the universe
Part II. The Early Universe: 4. Early-universe thermodynamics
5. Neutrinos in cosmology
6. The Boltzmann equation and baryogenesis
7. Big Bang nucleosynthesis
8. Inflation
Part III. The Later Universe: 9. Large-scale structure in the universe
10. Statistical methods in cosmology and astrophysics
11. Dark matter
12. Dark energy
13. Cosmic microwave background
14. Gravitation lensing
Appendices
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Atmospheric physics [PHVJ]