ABSTRACT
The standard model of cosmology is comprised of two pieces: the Hot Big Bang and cosmic inflation. Cosmic inflation amounts to a period of superluminal expansion of space preceding the Hot Big Bang and is the part of the standard model of cosmology, which is used to determine the initial conditions of the Hot Big Bang, which are rather fine-tuned. The observational side of cosmology is clearly astronomical, using telescopes, balloons, and satellites, while the theoretical part is mainly particle theory and employs what is known or conjectured about fundamental physics. For astrophysics in particular, cosmology sets the stage for astrophysical processes: for example, star and galaxy formation, abundance of elements in the Universe, age of stellar systems, and so on. With respect to particle physics, cosmology assists in the study of fundamental theory. This chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
