Module 4

Cosmology and the Universe

Explore the origins, evolution, and large-scale structure of the universe.

What students will explore

Foundations of modern cosmology
The expanding universe and the Big Bang model
Dark matter and dark energy
Accelerated expansion of the universe
Large-scale cosmic structures: galaxies, clusters, and superclusters
Cosmological distance measures
Exoplanets and their place in the cosmic context
Unanswered questions and frontiers of modern cosmology

Timeline of the universe as a widening cone over 13.77 billion years, from quantum fluctuations and inflation through the afterglow light, dark ages and first stars to the development of galaxies and dark energy accelerated expansion. — Image: NASA/WMAP