Course Description

This is a graduate course in cosmology. The textbook for the course is Cosmology by Daniel Baumann (ISBN 1108838073). I also recommend Modern Cosmology, 2nd Ed. by Scott Dodelson and Fabian Schmidt (ISBN 9780128159484).

There are many other texts that might be useful if you are looking for different approaches to the material. Examples include:

Peacock: Cosmological Physics 
Padmanabhan: Structure Formation in the Universe 
Kolb & Turner: The Early Universe 
Liddle & Lyth: Cosmological Inflation and Large Scale Structure 
Coles & Lucchin: Cosmology: The Origin and Evolution of Cosmic Structure (2nd edition)
Weinberg: Cosmology 
Weinberg: Gravitation and Cosmology 
Peebles: Principles of Physical Cosmology 
Peebles: The Large Scale Structure of the Universe 
Durrer: The Cosmic Microwave Background 
Ryden: Introduction to Cosmology 
Longair: Galaxy Formation 
Schneider: Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology 
Mo, van den Bosch & White: Galaxy Formation and Evolution 

Grading

  • Grades will be based on problem sets (100% of final grade).

  • Homework will be assigned on Friday in class and due the next Friday, in class.

  • Collaboration with other on the homework students is strongly encouraged, but your write-up of the solutions must be your own. You must also cite any external sources you use (other than the textbook).

  • Ideally, solutions should be typed (in LaTeX), but handwritten solutions are acceptable as long as they are clearly written.

  • It is my usual policy that late homework will automatically receive a maximum of half points. Seek arrangement with me at least 24 hours in advance if you think you have a legitimate excuse for late work. After I have posted solutions for a homework, I will not accept submissions for that assignment.  

Office Hours

Regular office hours for the semester are Monday 1-2 and Wednesday 10-11 (in person)

Extra meetings can be held by appointment.

Student Accommodations

If you require special accommodation in the course, please speak with me as early in the semester as possible. Visit this link for information on Rutgers policies.