Module manager: Dr Stuart Lumsden
Email: S.L.Lumsden@Leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
An understanding of Physics and Mathematics at first year University level or equivalent in basic calculus, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics is essential. Knowledge of basic astronomy is recommended, but not essential.
| PHAS5130M | Cosmology |
PHYS3011
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces students to modern Cosmology. You will see how the geometry of the Universe affects its evolution, and how the contents of the Universe shape its geometry. You will study how we make measurements of distant stars and galaxies to study the properties of the expansion of the Universe, as well as studying the physics of the early Universe, when the seeds of the objects that turned into the Galaxies around us were first created. The course will cover from the first 10^-43 seconds through to the present day.
This module provides the fundamental knowledge for understanding the basis for both observational and theoretical cosmology.
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. identify the observational evidence for a Big Bang;
2. derive and utilize the equations that describe the evolution of the universe;
3. explain methods used to measure fundamental cosmological parameters;
4. discuss possible problems of the Big Bang Theory;
5. derive how structure forms in the Universe.
Skills Learning Outcomes
a) Modelling
b) Problem solving
) Observational Clues for Big Bang Cosmology
II) Cosmological Model Building: Friedmann Equations
III) Deriving the dependence of the fundamental parameters on the contents and geometry of the Universe;
IV) “Freeze-out” in cosmology: nucleosynthesis: the formation of the elements;
V) Problems with the canonical Big Bang and (the need for) Inflation: Horizon, Flatness, Vacuum energy, GUTs;
VI) Structure Formation: Jeans Mass, CMBR anisotropies;
VII) The Very Early Universe: Planck scales.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Lecture | 27 | 1 | 27 |
| Private study hours | 167 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
167
Formative feedback will be provided in the workshops. In addition, online videos will provide feedback on the coursework, and the ideal solutions to workshop problems.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team