Cosmology

This learning module provides an introduction to modern cosmology and how it explains some experimental facts about our Universe. We start by discussing the homogenous universe described by the FRW spacetime, explain the various components of the matter content, touch on Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, CMB, dark matter, and dark energy. We also discuss motivations for introducing inflation and how it predicts the right kind of fluctuations that lead to the structure formation in our Universe.

Perimeter Institute is a leading centre for scientific research, training, and educational outreach in foundational theoretical physics. Located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, its mission is to advance our understanding of the universe at the most fundamental level, stimulating the breakthroughs that could transform our future. Perimeter also trains the next generation of physicists through innovative programs and shares the excitement and wonder of science with students, teachers, and the general public.

Vision

To create the world’s foremost centre for research, graduate training, and educational outreach in theoretical physics, uniting public and private partners, and the world’s best scientific minds, in a shared enterprise to achieve breakthroughs that will transform our future.

Mission

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is an independent, resident-based research institute devoted to foundational issues in theoretical physics at the highest levels of international excellence. We strive to create a lively and dynamic research atmosphere where many approaches to fundamental questions, both orthodox and unorthodox, are pursued simultaneously and where a balance between formal and phenomenologically-oriented research is established. We are determined to collaborate constructively with the surrounding academic community, in particular by creating outstanding educational and research opportunities for graduate students. We are equally determined to create a world-class outreach program that conveys the wonder and mystery of the universe and the importance of future scientific breakthroughs, to the general public in Canada and beyond.

Territorial land acknowledgment

Perimeter Institute acknowledges that it is on the traditional territory of the Anishnawbe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral peoples.

Perimeter Institute is located on the Haldimand Tract, which, after the American Revolutionary War of Independence was granted to the Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation by the British as compensation for their role in the war and for the loss of their traditional lands in Upstate New York. Of the 950,000 acres granted to the Haudenosaunee, less than 5% remain Six Nations’ land and 6,100 acres remain Mississauga’s of the Credit land.

We thank the Anishnawbe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral People for hosting us on their land.