Cosmology

This course provides an introduction to modern cosmology. The emphasis is placed on the standard cosmological model (the Lambda-CDM model), by reviewing key milestones in the evolution of the Universe on large scales, assuming an homogeneous and isotropic universe.

Topics covered include fundamental aspects of:
- Cosmic inflation
- Thermal history of the Universe
- Primordial nucleosynthesis
- Cosmic Microwave Background (recombination era)
- Structure formation
- Dark matter
 

Students will develop an understanding of several fundamental aspects of modern cosmology at an introductory level, closely connected to recent experimental and observational developments.

Particular emphasis is placed on building physical intuition through:
- Dimensional analysis
- Order-of-magnitude estimates
- Approximate solutions

Required and Corequired knowledge and skills

Students must have completed a course in special relativity.
Courses in general relativity and quantum field theory are an asset but are not mandatory.

• Theoretical lectures at the blackboard
•  Exercise sessions

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

- D. Bauman, *Cosmology* 
- S. Dodelson, *Modern Cosmology*
- E. W. Kolb and M. S. Turner, *The Early Universe*
- J.-P. Uzan, *Cosmologie Primordiale*
- S. Mukhanov, *Physical Foundations of Cosmology*
- S. Weinberg, *Cosmology*

Course notes

• Université virtuelle

Additional information

The Cosmology course is taught by the two lecturers in alternating years:
- Laura Lopez Honorez: 2026–27, 2028–29, etc.
- Thomas Hambye: 2027–28, 2029–30, etc.

Contacts

Theoretical Physics group, CP 225
ULB Campus Plaine
Boulevard du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels

Thomas Hambye: thomas.hambye@ulb.be | +32 2 650 55 82 | Office 2N7-209
Laura Lopez Honorez: llopezho@ulb.be | +32 2 650 55 19 | Office 2N7-113

Campus

Plaine

Method(s) of evaluation

• Oral examination

Oral examination

Oral examination with preliminary written preparation.

During the written preparation phase, consultation of notes is allowed. During the oral examination, the student presents the general question and answers additional questions on the different chapters of the course and exercise sessions, without consulting notes.

Language(s) of evaluation

• english
• french