Big Bang Cosmology
PHYS 501 · Module 6
This module studies the universe's early history and long-term future. Students learn the Big Bang model, inflation, primordial nucleosynthesis, and possible cosmic fates.
Lessons in this module
The Big Bang model
The Big Bang model describes an expanding universe that was hotter and denser in the past. This lesson explains the model, evidence, timeline, and common misconceptions.
Cosmic inflation
Inflation proposes a brief period of extremely rapid early expansion. This lesson explains the horizon, flatness, and monopole problems, quantum fluctuations, and observational tests.
Big Bang nucleosynthesis
Big Bang nucleosynthesis produced the first light nuclei in the early universe. This lesson explains neutron-proton balance, deuterium bottleneck, helium abundance, and cosmological constraints.
The fate of the universe
The universe's future depends on its contents and expansion history. This lesson discusses critical density, curvature, dark energy, heat death, big rip possibilities, and long-term cosmic evolution.
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