Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• give a basic account of the standard model of physical cosmology, the observational evidence supporting it, and current limitations in empirical knowledge;
• apply basic concepts from the philosophy of science, the philosophy of cosmology, epistemology, and metaphysics;
• account for basic ideas within religion about the origin and character of the cosmos;
• identify, analyse, and discuss central problems in cosmology from an interdisciplinary perspective;
• communicate their own views on the relationship between physics, philosophy, and religion in cosmology, with disciplinary awareness;
• engage in interdisciplinary cooperation across the disciplines of physics, philosophy and religion.

Content

An introductory overview of disciplinary methods in physics, philosophy, and religious studies used in cosmology, and how these relate to different worldviews. Concepts and aspects concerning the fundamental properties of the universe. Origin and destiny: cause, creation, beginning, ultimate future, eternity. Structure: laws, space and time, constituents, large-scale structure and evolution, infinity. Underdetermination and observation-selection effects: chance, necessity, fine-tuning of physical constants, the multiverse, and the evaluation of theories.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and peer-learning group work.

Assessment

Written assignments (5 credits), oral presentation (4 credits), active participation in seminars and mandatory meetings (1 credit).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.