An Introduction to Mathematical Cosmology

An introductory textbook on mathematical cosmology for beginning graduate students.

J. N. Islam (Author)

9780521499736, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 22 November 2001

264 pages, 30 b/w illus. 7 tables
22.9 x 14.7 x 1.4 cm, 0.39 kg

"The writing style is clear, concise, and quite technical.... Recommended." Choice

This book provides a concise introduction to the mathematical aspects of the origin, structure and evolution of the universe. The book begins with a brief overview of observational and theoretical cosmology, along with a short introduction to general relativity. It then goes on to discuss Friedmann models, the Hubble constant and deceleration parameter, singularities, the early universe, inflation, quantum cosmology and the distant future of the universe. This edition contains a rigorous derivation of the Robertson–Walker metric. It also discusses the limits to the parameter space through various theoretical and observational constraints, and presents a new inflationary solution for a sixth degree potential. This book is suitable as a textbook for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students. It will also be of interest to cosmologists, astrophysicists, applied mathematicians and mathematical physicists.

Preface to first edition
Preface to second edition
1. Some basic concepts and an overview of cosmology
2. Introduction to general relativity
3. The Robertson–Walker metric
4. The Friedmann models
5. The Hubble constant and the deceleration parameter
6. Models with a cosmological constant
7. Singularities in cosmology
8. The early universe
9. The very early universe and inflation
10. Quantum cosmology
11. The distant future of the universe
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Galaxies & stars [PGM], Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Theoretical & mathematical astronomy [PGC], Applied mathematics [PBW]