Cosmology (7CCP4600M)
Science & Engineering
Course Overview
Understand cosmology in the context of the early universe through topics such as Robertson Walker Metric and FRW equations; redshifting of matter, radiation, and cosmological constant; the need for dark matter and dark energy; thermal history, degrees of freedom, and entropy; Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, Baryon asymmetry; the Horizon Problem; and General Relativity treatment of perturbations applied to CMB temperature power spectrum (TT).
19 January 2026 - 01 May 2026
Places: Course closed
Delivery mode: In person
Application deadline: 01 December 2025
Places: Course closed
Course features
This module aims to:
- Provide an overview of cosmology in the context of early universe
- Provide you with an understanding of the observational and theoretical tools that are available to probe and describe the early universe
- Enable you to evaluate and compare strengths and weaknesses of contemporary models of the large-scale structure of the universe.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you will have achieved the following:
- A deep and systematic understanding of knowledge in cosmological principles in the early universe and the ability to work with theoretical knowledge like Einstein's field equations
- A comprehensive understanding of Newtonian theory, General Relativity and other specialised methodologies
- A critical awareness to enable you to undertake analysis of complex areas of knowledge, communicating the outcome effectively
- A level of conceptual understanding that will allow you to critically evaluate research, advanced scholarship and methodologies and argue alternative approaches.

Entry Requirements
The standard entry requirements comprise:
- A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent in Physics, or a closely related subject
- A CV and personal statement outlining your reasons for study
- English language band D (for example, IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill)
- Plus, you should have introductory astronomy and general relativity knowledge.
Assessment
You will be assessed via an examination.
Further information
This is an on-campus module. Lectures will be held on a single day of the week, each week, during term time. You will be expected to be on-campus for these. Exact dates and times will be confirmed upon enrolment.
Course code:
7CCP4600M
Credit level:
7
Credit value:
15
Duration:
11 weeks
Discover more


