This is a course about gravity: its description as spacetime curvature, its effect on the motion of bodies, and its role in shaping the evolution of the universe. The first part of the course is devoted to a discussion of the main features of General Relativity, with an emphasis on the behavior of light and matter in the vicinity of black holes. Part two of the course constitutes an introduction to Big Bang cosmology. Topics covered include the physics of the early universe, the cosmic microwave background, the evidence for dark matter and dark energy, and inflation. Prerequisites: PHYS 130, one of PHYS 210 or 220, MATH 152.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 130, one of PHYS 210 or 220, MATH 152 | 1 course |