Preparatory Study for Cosmology MSc at the University of Sussex
No previous knowledge of cosmology will be assumed in the course,
but a good working knowledge of both mathematics and physics will be assumed.
Some topics of particular importance are listed below.
Prospective students are advised to revise them, or acquaint themselves
with them, before attending the course.
- Mathematics
-
Vector methods (grad, div, curl, Laplacian, divergence, Stoke's and
Green's theorems).
Solutions of simple ordinary and partial differential equations.
Orthogonal curvilinear coordinates (spherical polars, cylindrical polars).
Fourier transforms and integrals in 3D.
Dirac delta function.
Contour integration (Cauchy's Theorem).
Undergraduate recommended text:
M.L. Boas, Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences, Wiley.
- Physics
-
Atomic physics: atomic energy levels, spectral lines.
Nuclear physics: nuclear binding energy, energy release from nuclear
reactions.
Particle physics: Natural units, scattering cross-sections.
Quantum mechanics: Heisenberg uncertainty principal, wavefunctions,
hydrogen atom, harmonic oscillator, ladder operators,
Dirac bra-ket notation.
Thermodynamics and statistical physics: the laws of thermodynamics
and the basic idea of thermodynamic equilibrium.
Mechanics: Newton's laws, motion of rigid bodies, Lagrangian formulation.
Electricity and magnetism: Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic wave
propagation,motion of a charged particle in an electromagnetic field.
Potential theory: potentials due to distribution of mass (gravitation) and
charge (electrostatic).
Fluid dynamics: equations of continuity and motion of a fluid in the absence
of viscosity.
Special relativity: basic ideas including variation of mass with velocity
and the Lorentz transformation, space-time interval, 4-vectors.
Undergraduate recommended text:
Paul A. Tipler, Physics for scientists and engineers, Freeman.
Although no previous knowledge of cosmology will be assumed, any of the
following books are suggested to supply some general introductory reading.
- R.A. Freedman and W.J. Kaufmann, Universe, Freeman.
[A general overview of astronomy, including cosmology.]
- J. Silk, The Big Bang, Freeman.
[Good coverage of cosmology at a popular level.]
- A. Liddle, An Introduction to Modern Cosmology, Wiley.
[Shorter but more technical coverage of the subject.]
Books recommended for specific courses are listed in the respective
course documents, available via teaching information on the
Physics and Astronomy web page.
Last updated: 19-Jan-2006