Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics

Beginning with some basic facts about the observable universe the authors consider in successive chapters the complete range of topics that make up a degree course in cosmology and particle astrophysics. The outstanding feature of this book is that it is self-contained, in that no specialised knowledge is required on the part of the reader, apart from basic undergraduate mathematics and physics. This paperback edition will again target students of physics, astrophysics and cosmology at the advanced undergraduate level or early graduate level. One of the book’s biggest strong points is that the authors rapidly involve students in the most exciting of today's developments in the field in a simple and self-contained manner, relegating the more technical aspects to appendices. The worked examples throughout the book, and summaries at the end of each chapter, which were expanded in the second edition, have been very well received by students. This book offers advanced undergraduate level and beginning graduate level students a highly readable, yet comprehensive review of particle astrophysics. Competing books cover this topic at too advanced a level for this readership.

Combining the expertise of a leading experimentalist and a foremost theorist, this textbook presents all relevant aspects of both observational cosmology and related theoretical concepts. In addition to the more descriptive sections where the reader is able to get the flavor of the subject without needing to follow every step involved, some chapters contain optional more technical parts. The book is self-contained and requires no prior knowledge other than basic undergraduate mathematics and physics. This and the inclusion of worked examples, end-of-chapter summaries, and problems (with answers) in each chapter make this book an excellent introduction to particle astrophysics for advanced undergraduate students. The second edition includes the newest developments on the cosmic microwave background anisotropy, the measurement of the Hubble constant, gravitational lensing experiments and neutrino oscillations.