Observational Cosmology

The goal is to present the various observations and associated theoretical concepts—known as cosmological probes—that have helped establish the so-called “concordance” ΛCDM cosmological model. The course is divided into chapters of roughly equal length. It is supplemented by a series of seminars presented by students (flipped classroom) that delve deeper into more observational and technical aspects (based on a publication from a major collaboration).

This course unit will provide the basic theoretical and observational knowledge needed to understand the most recent developments in observational cosmology (the various cosmological observables, the formation and characterization of large-scale structures, elements of primordial nucleosynthesis, open questions, etc.) in relation to ongoing or developing experiments. 

Astrophysics

Recommended prerequisites:

Fluid Dynamics in Astrophysics and Cosmology

General Relativity and Cosmology

Sensors and Image Processing

Student Seminar + Final Exam

1. Friedmannology
2. Large-Scale Structures (Theoretical Aspects)
3. Large-scale structures (observational aspects)
4. Primordial nucleosynthesis
5. Numerical Cosmology
6. The Concordance Model and Beyond