Introduction to Cosmology

Introduction to Cosmology provides a rare combination of a solid foundation of the core physical concepts of cosmology and the most recent astronomical observations. The text is designed for advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students and assumes no prior knowledge of general relativity. An emphasis is placed on developing the students' physical insight rather than losing them with complex math. An approachable writing style and wealth of fresh and imaginative analogies from “everyday” physics are used to make the concepts of cosmology more accessible.

• The book is unique in that it not only includes recent major developments in cosmology, like the cosmological constant and accelerating universe, but also anticipates key developments expected in the next few years, such as detailed results on the cosmic microwave background.

• The book has been developed from the ground up for junior/senior-level students and does not assume too much advanced math.

• The writing style is crisp and lucid, and the author uses a wealth of helpful and engaging analogies.

• The text focuses on helping students to develop a deep physical insight of the principles involved rather than leading with daunting math/theory or particle physics.

• A wide range of carefully developed problems is provided that are suitable for students from a range of backgrounds at the junior/senior level.