Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology

About

This module introduces you to the core concepts and evidence that shape our current understanding of the origin, structure and evolution of the Universe.

You will explore the fundamental principles of special and general relativity and examine their significance for the development of the cosmos.

You will study how stars form, evolve and end their lives, and you will work with key tools such as the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram to understand stellar behaviour.

You will look at exotic astrophysical objects, including magnetars, pulsars and black holes, and investigate how galaxies form and move, including the evidence for dark matter.

You will examine major cosmological models, from Newtonian to relativistic approaches, and consider how ideas such as the scale factor, cosmological redshift and Hubble’s Law help explain the evolution of the Universe.

You will also explore current debates on dark matter and dark energy and what these phenomena may mean for the ultimate fate of the Universe.

This module is designed for students who have studied first-year undergraduate calculus. It is not suitable for students with substantial prior study of astrophysics at third-year level.

Week one
The Newtonian Universe and the Law of Gravitation
Special and General Relativity
Key Observational Parameters in Astrophysics

Week two
Star Birth, Life And Death; The Hertzsprung–Russell Diagram
Equations of Stellar Structure and Stability
Magnetars, Pulsars and Black Holes
Galaxies and their Dynamics; The Case for Dark Matter
Introduction to Tensor Calculus
The Schwarzschild Solution for a Static Spherically Symmetric Black Hole

Week three
Newtonian Cosmology and the Cosmological Principle
The Scale Factor of the Universe, Cosmological Redshift and Hubble’s Law
Relativistic Cosmology and the Friedmann Model
Inflation, Dark Energy and the Fate of the Universe

Course leader

Dr Ioannis Koutsonas

Course aim

This module aims to:

- Introduce you to the theoretical tools used in astrophysics to understand the formation of stars, the evolution of galaxies and the development of the Universe as a whole.
- Give you a grounding in Newtonian gravity, general relativity and other key astrophysical processes, supported by recent findings and case studies.
- Develop your ability to engage critically with modern scientific literature, documentaries and podcasts on astrophysics and cosmology.
- Strengthen your critical thinking and encourage an enquiring approach that will support further study in astrophysics and related fields.

Fee info