615.772.81 - Cosmology

Expanded Course Description

Modules 01-06:  We begin with a general overview of fundamental cosmological observations including the expansion of the universe.  We derive the Robertson-Walker metric describing the expanding universe using the principles of homogeneity and isotropy (valid for scales ~ 100 Mpc).  We study cosmic dynamics by deriving the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) equations using the Einstein field equations.  We study several examples of model universes containing radiation, matter, and cosmological constant and describe the benchmark Lambda-CDM model that appears to best fit current observations including accelerated expansion.  We discuss relating cosmological parameters to measured quantities.  Finally we present the most important issues in modern cosmology and the solution offered by cosmic inflation.

Modules 07-12: We study gravitational lensing, dark matter and the CMBR including the physics of recombination and causes of temperature fluctuations.  We discuss nucleosynthesis in the early universe and the problem of observed baryon-antibaryon asymmetry.  Finally we discuss the formation of structure and the importance of baryon acoustic oscillations on placing constraints on cosmological models and parameters. 

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Course Modules on the left menu.   Each module may be divided into more than one video, and includes an assignment. 

Course modules officially begin on Tue and end the following Tuesday at 11:59pm.  However, modules will become available on Saturdays, so each module is available for approximately 10 days before completion.

Course Topics

1. Relativistic cosmological models
2. Cosmological parameters
3. Inflation
4. Gravitational lensing
5. Dark matter
6. Structure formation
7. Cosmic background radiation

Course Goals

Thorough understanding of modern relativistic cosmological theory of an expanding universe, including concepts of dark matter, dark energy, and accelerated expansion, and relating observations to theoretical parameters.

Textbooks

"Introduction to Cosmology", 2nd edition, , Barbara Ryden, CUP, ISBN:  9-781107-154834

Student Coursework Requirements

• Weekly Assignment (50% of final grade)
• Final paper and Presentation (40% of final grade)
• Muddiest Points Discussion online submission (10% of final grade)

Grading Policy

Course Policies

Assignments are due according to the dates posted on the course site.  All assignments must be submitted in PDF format. Students are encouraged to use LaTex, Word, or equivalent environments to produce a PDF output for submission.

The following grades are used for this course: A+, A, A- (excellent), B+, B, B- (good), C (unsatisfactory), F (failure), I (incomplete). A grade of F indicates the student's failure to complete or comprehend the course work. 

A course for which an unsatisfactory grade (C through F) has been received may be retaken. The original grade is replaced with an R. A grade of W is issued to those who have dropped the course after the refund period but before the drop deadline. The transcript is part of the student's permanent record at the university. No grade may be changed except to correct an error, to replace an incomplete with a grade, or to replace a grade with an R. 

The Whiting School assumes that students possess acceptable written command of the English language. It is proper for faculty to consider writing quality when assigning grades.  For incomplete grades, please see the Graduate Programs catalogue for the Whiting School of Engineering.

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.