Astrophysics Cosmology

AY2025/2026 Semester 1

This is a first course in cosmology which covers some advanced astrophysical phenomena and fundamental aspects of standard cosmology. The required background tools such as Special and General Relativity are covered to make the module self-contained. The advanced astrophysics topics covered include coalescing binaries which emit gravitational waves. Then we will expand to the discussion of the evolution of the entire universe which is known as cosmology. The topics covered in cosmology include the discussion of the cosmological principle that leads to the derivation of the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) metric. Then the kinematics and dynamics of the FRW metric will be discussed and the course closes with the problems in the FRW model and a brief mention of the solutions by postulating an inflationary era during the early evolution of the universe. Throughout this course, you will also appreciate the multi-disciplinary nature of this subject.