Physical Cosmology (PHYC90009)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025

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Overview

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This subject provides an advanced introduction to physical cosmology. Specific topics may include the isotropic homogeneous Universe, the Robertson Walker metric, the Friedmann equations, baryogenesis, inflation, big-bang nucleosynthesis, the recombination era, density fluctuations as the origin of galaxies, the cosmic microwave background, linear and non-linear growth of structure, the Press-Schechter mass function, reionization of the IGM and gravitational lensing. Examples are drawn from past and current cosmological observations.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:



  • challenge the students to develop knowledge of fundamental physical principles governing the formation and evolution of structure in the Universe;
  • understand the connection between the microscopic properties of particles and the macroscopic evolution of the Universe;
  • introduce students to the problems facing contemporary research in cosmology;
  • appreciate the distinction between the evolution of baryonic and non-baryonic matter;
  • develop the skills required to interpret cosmological data.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should have gained skills in:

  • analysing how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations;
  • applying abstract concepts to real-world situations;
  • solving relatively complicated problems using approximations;
  • participating as an effective member of a group in discussions and collaborative assignments;
  • managing time effectively in order to be prepared for group discussions and undertake the assignments and exam.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

This subject will assume a general familiarity with Physics at third year level.

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Assignment, totalling up to 25 pages of written work

  • 25 pages
Week 715%

Assignment, totalling up to 25 pages of written work

  • 25 pages
Week 1215%

One written examination

  • 3 hours
End of semester70%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

Not available in 2025

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  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    "A course in Cosmology From Theory to Practice" Dragan Hutener CUP.

    Recommended texts and other resources

    None

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Science (Physics)
    Informal specialisationPhysics
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025