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.

"This is an ideal textbook both for advanced students of physics and astrophysics and for those with a particular interest in theoretical cosmology. Nearly every formula in the book is derived from basic physical principles covered in undergraduate courses. Each chapter includes all necessary background material and no prior knowledge of general relativity and quantum field theory is assumed."--BOOK JACKET.

Recent discoveries in astronomy have revolutionized the field of cosmology. While many long-standing questions in cosmology have now been answered, the new data pose new mysteries such as the nature of the "dark energy" that dominates the universe. This second edition provides an accessible and thorough text on the physics of cosmology and a lively account of the modern concordance model of the universe, from the big bang to a distant future dominated by dark energy.

Covering established and speculative research in cosmology, this is an ideal textbook for 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.

This is the first book to lay the physical foundations of quantum cosmology, complete with an introduction to space-time physics, quantum theory, and the main approaches to quantum gravity. It is an essential guide for researchers in quantum gravity and astrophysicists interested in fundamental aspects of cosmology.

A self-contained introduction to general relativity that is based on the homogeneity and isotropy of the local universe. Emphasis is placed on estimations of the densities of matter and vacuum energy, and on investigations of the primordial density fluctuations and the nature of dark matter.

A substantial update of this award-winning and highly regarded cosmology textbook, for advanced undergraduates in physics and astronomy.