87972 - Quantum Cosmology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have developed a comprehensive knowledge of modern theoretical models of the primordial universe in the framework of quantum field theory and general relativity. All topics will be taught with a critical perspective that takes into account cosmological data. The student will be able to analyse and compare specific models and observational evidence to discriminate among different scenarios.

Course contents

The course will cover the following topics:

1) Brief review of the simplest cosmological models stemming from the cosmological principle of homogeneity and isotropy (Hot Big Bang) and their shortcomings; Raychaudhuri equations and approach to the "Big Bang" singularity; brief review homogenous (Bianchi) metrics;

2) general covariance and diffeomorphism invariance of the gravitational and matter actions in Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism; Hamiltonian and momentum constraints in the Einstein gravity;

3) general theory of constrained systems and canonical quantisation for the Einstein gravity; the Wheeler-deWitt equation;

4) canonical quantisation of cosmological models;

5) basics of quantisation of matter fields and metric perturbations in curved background;

6) general theory of linear cosmological perturbations; the Cosmic Microwave Backgroung radiation in inflationary models;

7) exit from the inflationary phase and reheating;

8) brief introduction to the LambdaCDM model for the late Universe; the problems of dark energy and dark matter.

Readings/Bibliography

Textbooks and review articles will be suggested during the lessons.

Notes of the course are available on "Virtuale" and will be updated during the lesson period.

Teaching methods

Standard lectures with blackboard.

Use of Mathematica [https://www.unibo.it/en/study/life-at-university-and-in-the-city/discounts-for-computer-tablet-and-software-1/mathematica-campus-licence] (freely available for all UniBO students) or other software packages is recommended.

Assessment methods

Final examination consists of a written essay on a topic of your choice, to be sent by email to the teachers prior to the exam date, and an oral examination about the essay and topics covered during the course.

Final grade: sufficient knowledge 18-20; basic knowledge 21-23; fair knowledge 24-26; good knowledge 27-29; excellent knowledge 30-30L.

Studenti/sse con DSA o disabilità temporanee o permanenti: si raccomanda di contattare per tempo l’ufficio di Ateneo responsabile [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it] : sarà sua cura proporre agli/lle studenti/sse interessati/e eventuali adattamenti, che dovranno comunque essere sottoposti, con un anticipo di 15 giorni, all’approvazione del/della docente, che ne valuterà l'opportunità anche in relazione agli obiettivi formativi dell'insegnamento.

Teaching tools

Blackboard and slides.

Office hours

See the website of Francisco Manuel Soares Verissimo Gil Pedro