Physical Foundations of Cosmology

Inflationary cosmology has been developed over the last twenty years to remedy serious shortcomings in the standard hot big bang model of the universe. This textbook, first published in 2005, explains the basis of modern cosmology and shows where the theoretical results come from. The book is divided into two parts; the first deals with the homogeneous and isotropic model of the Universe, the second part discusses how inhomogeneities can explain its structure. Established material such as the inflation and quantum cosmological perturbation are presented in great detail, however the reader is brought to the frontiers of current cosmological research by the discussion of more speculative ideas. An ideal textbook for both advanced students of physics and astrophysics, all of the necessary background material is included in every chapter and no prior knowledge of general relativity and quantum field theory is assumed. 'Mukhanov has written a superb book, which is distinguished by its willingness to dig into technical details that are often skipped or simplified in other treatments ... a wonderful contribution to the cosmological literature.' John PeacockPart I. Homogeneous Isotropic Universe: 1. Kinematics and dynamics of an expanding universe; 2. Propagation of light and horizons; 3. The hot universe; 4. The very early universe; 5. Inflation I: homogeneous limit; Part II. Inhomogeneous Universe: 6. Gravitational instability in Newtonian theory; 7. Gravitational instability in general relativity; 8. Inflation II: origin of the primordial inhomogeneities; 9. Cosmic microwave background anisotropies; 10. Bibliography.