An Introduction to Modern Cosmology is a concise and accessible account of modern cosmological ideas. The Big Bang Cosmology is explored, looking at its observational successes in explaining the expansion and age of the universe, the existence and properties of the cosmic microwave background, and the origin of the light elements in the universe. Properties of the very early universe are also covered, including the motivation for the theory known as cosmological inflation. Focusing on theoretical rather than observational aspects, this book adopts a physical approach to cosmology instead of a detailed mathematical one, in particular avoiding general relativity. An Introduction to Modern Cosmology:
- Is a concise, lucidly written introduction to this exciting and dynamic subject.
- Adopts an approach grounded in physics rather than mathematics.
- Includes worked examples and student problems, along with hints for solving them and the numerical answers.
- Brings the subject to life through carefully chosen illustrations and a colour plate section.
Andrew Liddle is a lecturer in astrophysics at Imperial College, London. Previously, he was at the Astronomy Centre, The University of Sussex, where he lectured to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. This book has evolved from his undergraduate cosmology course. His research interests currently include the origin and evolution of structure in the universe and the relation between astronomical observations and the physics of the very early universe.