Lectures on string theory and cosmology

Abstract

In these lectures I review recent attempts to apply string theory to cosmology, including string cosmology and various models of brane cosmology. In addition, the review includes an introduction to inflation as well as a discussion of transplanckian signatures. I also provide a critical discussion of the possible role of holography. The material is based on lectures given in January 2004 at the RTN String School in Barcelona, but also contain some additional material.Comment: Lectures given in January 2004 at the RTN Barcelona String School, 50 pages, 9 figure