Astro 6
Cosmology: The Origin, History, and Fate of the Universe
Winter 2024
Introduction
Cosmology is the study of the large-scale properties of the universe.
In this class, we will consider such important questions as:
What is the origin of the universe? What is the fate of the universe?
What is the universe made of? How large is the universe? What is its
shape? What are the origin and evolution of all the structure we
see around us in the universe today? We will discuss the ways
in which astronomers and physicists try to address these questions,
and develop an understanding of cosmology for ourselves.
Course Information
Professor:
Alice Shapley
310-206-3768
3-931 PAB
aes@astro.ucla.edu
Office Hours: Monday 2:00-3:00 pm, Location: 3-326 PAB
TA:
Natalie Lam
3-534 PAB
Office Hours: Monday 4:00-5:00 pm, Location: 3-326 PAB
Lectures:
Tuesday, Thursday 11:00 am - 12:15 pm; Kinsey Pavilion 1240B (PAB)
Discussion Sections:
1A Tuesday 4:00-4:50 pm; 2200 Young Hall
1B Tuesday 5:00-5:50 pm; 5440 Boelter Hall
Textbook, etc.:
Foundations of Modern Cosmology, second edition (2005)
Hawley and Holcomb
A simple calculator is HIGHLY recommended, though not required.
Grading:
- Homework
40%: Weekly assignments, simple quantitative problems
- Mid-Term: Thursday, February 8th, in class
30%: Combination of multiple choice, matching, and True/False questions
- Final Exam: Monday, March 18th, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
30%: Combination of multiple choice, matching, and True/False questions
Homework will be assigned roughly every week and is to be turned in online by midnight on the designated day. A total of 8 assignments will be given during the quarter. Late homework may be turned in up to 1 week after the due date, at a penalty of 20% reduction in score. After one week, we will return graded homework and no late assignments will be accepted after that.
Learning Outcomes:
Based on based on lectures, and weekly homework assignment, students will engage in
the scientific process of inquiry, analysis, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning.
They will also acquire an informed appreciation of the study of cosmology, which concerns the origin, nature,
and fate of the universe.
Course Website: