This book provides an extensive survey of all the physics necessary to understand the current developments in the field of fundamental cosmology, as well as an overview of the observational data and methods. It will help students to get into research by providing definitions and main techniques and ideas discussed today. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 summarises the fundamentals in theoretical physics needed in cosmology (general relativity, field theory, particle physics). Part 2 describes the standard model of cosmology and includes cosmological solutions of Einstein equations, the hot big bang model, cosmological perturbation theory, cosmic microwave background anisotropies, lensing and evidence for dark matter, and inflation. Part 3 describes extensions of this model and opens up current research in the field: scalar-tensor theories, supersymmetry, the cosmological constant problem and acceleration of the universe, topology of the universe, grand unification and baryogenesis, topological defects and phase transitions, string inspired cosmology including branes and the latest developments. The book provides details of all derivations and leads the student up to the level of research articles.

About the Author
P. Peter: Post-doctoral position at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), Cambridge University. Research positions: Charge de Recherches (1994-2002), Medaille de bronze (bronze medal) du CNRS (1995), Directeur de Recherches, Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris since 2002.; J.P. Uzan: Post-doctoral position at the Department of Theoretical Physics (DPT), Geneva University. Research positions: Charge de Rechecherches au CNR, teaches the course of Theoretical Cosmology at the Ecole Normale Superieure, teaches at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Mines de Paris.

Reviews
Fills a niche that other recent cosmology texts leave open, namely self-contained derivations in cosmology that span both fundamental issues and applications to the real universe that are of great interest to observers. * Joseph Silk, University of Oxford *
A remarkable book. Written with great authority and enthusiasm, it gives a comprehensive view of primordial cosmology today. The style is accessible to a novice for a good introduction, as well as being technically precise enough to be useful for specialists. * Ted Jacobson, University of Maryland *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199665150
Author Patrick Peter
Format Paperback
Page Count 856
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 2g
Dimensions(mm) 245mm * 171mm * 42mm