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Entr0py
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What are the prerequisites you need to have under your belt before you start studying cosmology? And frankly due to my naïveté, I'm not sure of any interdisciplinary fields in cosmology so I know my question is vague
It depends a little bit upon what level of depth, but to do any sort of calculations at all you'd need to at least have calculus under your belt.Entr0py said:What are the prerequisites you need to have under your belt before you start studying cosmology? And frankly due to my naïveté, I'm not sure of any interdisciplinary fields in cosmology so I know my question is vague
Thanks for the response. By the way do you know any good websites devoted to cosmology?Chalnoth said:It depends a little bit upon what level of depth, but to do any sort of calculations at all you'd need to at least have calculus under your belt.
To learn how to derive the basic equations (such as the Friedmann equations), you'd need some understanding of General Relativity.
In order to get into more complicated things such as structure formation you'd need to have a decent grasp of differential equations and series expansions.
I have to disagree with this. Sure, classical field theory is sufficient to understand the dynamics of the inflaton field itself, but we need QFT to study its fluctuations. Much research on inflation deals with these fluctuations and their effect on the CMB, so I'd say it's quite relevant. And I'd say that thermodynamics is not really necessary for understanding inflationary dynamics (though it's of course invaluable for early universe cosmology in general).Mordred said:No QFT isn't needed to understand inflation. A good set of math skills and thermodynamics understanding is sufficient. Though GR does help along with QM.
Entr0py said:What are the prerequisites you need to have under your belt before you start studying cosmology? And frankly due to my naïveté, I'm not sure of any interdisciplinary fields in cosmology so I know my question is vague
Yes, you do need QFT to do sensible inflation model building. But it's possible to grasp the simpler inflation models without that. QFT can also be good for understanding dark matter production and solutions to baryon asymmetry. I'd claim that all of these topics are quite advanced, however, and not necessary for somebody to get started in cosmology.bapowell said:I have to disagree with this. Sure, classical field theory is sufficient to understand the dynamics of the inflaton field itself, but we need QFT to study its fluctuations. Much research on inflation deals with these fluctuations and their effect on the CMB, so I'd say it's quite relevant. And I'd say that thermodynamics is not really necessary for understanding inflationary dynamics (though it's of course invaluable for early universe cosmology in general).
Awesome reply. Very informationalMordred said:No QFT isn't needed to understand inflation. A good set of math skills and thermodynamics understanding is sufficient. Though GR does help along with QM.
The common formula used in inflation is the equations of state for scalar modelling. This is your thermodynamic portion. One major aspect in both GR and cosmology is both the FLRW metric and Einstein field equations employ the ideal gas laws.
The scalar modelling EOS can be found on this link.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equation_of_state_(cosmology)
As mentioned before one needs to be able to employ the math, that math relies on differential geometry , strong statistical mechanics is also a good asset.
This site has 3 good preliminary textbooks.
http://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/
Now as far as QFT itself is concerned, it's good to have some particle physics understanding in regards to inflation and Early universe dynamics. However the necessary details can be learned through either Quarks and Leptons
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471887412/?tag=pfamazon01-20
or Griffiths Introductory to particle physics.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/3527406018/?tag=pfamazon01-20.
Here is two free resources. One being a full length free textbook.
http://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0503203.pdf "Particle Physics and Inflationary Cosmology" by Andrei Linde
http://www.wiese.itp.unibe.ch/lectures/universe.pdf:" Particle Physics of the Early universe" by Uwe-Jens Wiese Thermodynamics, Big bang Nucleosynthesis
For the needed math in particle physics a good free resource is
http://arxiv.org/abs/0810.3328 A Simple Introduction to Particle Physics
http://arxiv.org/abs/0908.1395 part 2
The first book is primarily a coverage of differential geometry. 90+% of it, the second book steps you into GR.
GUT theories, are a bit trickier, in the coupling constants and is largely model dependant, (standard model vs SUSY and SO(10) , both MSM- minimial standard model or Minimal super symmetric ).
It's handy to be familiar with the basis of GUT but not necessarily required. Unless you wish to develop your own models.
Here is a decent coverage, the previous references will greatly help to understand this article.
http://pdg.lbl.gov/2011/reviews/rpp2011-rev-guts.pdf GRAND UNIFIED THEORIES
Two excellent intro level cosmology textbooks is Barbers Rydens Introductory to Cosmology.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0805389121/?tag=pfamazon01-20
and
Introduction to Cosmology by Matt Roose.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/047084910X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Both are excellent entry low math intensive textbooks.
Modern Cosmology by Scott Dodelson
Requires greater math skills
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0122191412/?tag=pfamazon01-20
As well as Physical Foundations of Cosmology by Muchanov.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0521563984/?tag=pfamazon01-20
I don't understand. If you are interested. If you are DRAWN to cosmology, and have some first year college calculus and physics, why wouldn't you start learning cosmology and see how much makes sense to you?Entr0py said:What are the prerequisites you need to have under your belt before you start studying cosmology? And frankly due to my naïveté, I'm not sure of any interdisciplinary fields in cosmology so I know my question is vague
The best place to start learning about cosmology is by familiarizing yourself with the basic concepts and theories. This can be done through introductory textbooks, online courses, or educational videos. It is also helpful to have a strong foundation in mathematics and physics.
While having a background in science can be helpful, it is not necessary to understand cosmology. With dedication and a willingness to learn, anyone can grasp the fundamental concepts and theories of cosmology.
Some reliable resources for learning about cosmology include books written by reputable scientists, educational websites such as NASA's website, and lectures and seminars by experts in the field. It is important to ensure that the information is from credible sources.
While a strong understanding of mathematics can be beneficial, it is not essential to learn about cosmology. Many concepts in cosmology can be explained using everyday language and visual aids. However, having a basic understanding of mathematical concepts such as calculus and algebra can make it easier to understand more complex theories.
Cosmology is a fascinating subject that can help us better understand the universe we live in. While the concepts may not have direct practical applications in our daily lives, learning about cosmology can expand our knowledge and perspective of the world around us. It can also inspire curiosity and critical thinking skills, which can be beneficial in various aspects of life.