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Theory of General Relativity

Vak
2016-2017

Admission Requirements

BSc physics, BSc astronomy, BSc mathematics.

Description

Theory of General Relativity.
This course is an introduction to the modern theory of classical gravity. Generalizing from special relativity, we show the need for and will develop the formalism of differential geometry. This will allow us to study the motion of particles and fields in a gravitational field as motion through a curved spacetime. In turn this leads to the introduction of the Einstein field equations for the dynamics of the spacetime itself. Using these insights, we will study a variety of important physical consequences and applications, i.e. relativistic corrections to the Newtonian gravity, relativistic stars, gravitational waves, black holes and spacetime singularities, relativistic Big Bang cosmology. The course concludes with an outlook towards a quantum theory of gravity.

Course objectives

Topics:

  • Vectors, Tensors, Metrics and Manifolds (Riemannian geometry of curved spaces)

  • Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity

  • Energy theorems and singularities

  • Schwarzschild solution and simple black holes

  • Gravitational Waves

  • Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Cosmology

  • Towards astrophysics, the Big Bang and our Universe

Timetable

Physics Schedule

Mode of instruction

Lectures and home work assignments.

Course load

Assessment method

Homework assignments (60%) and a written final exam (40%)

Blackboard

Yes, for the homework assignments.
To have access to Blackboard you need a ULCN-account.Blackboard UL

Reading list

S. Carroll, Spacetime and Geometry: an Introduction to General Relativity; Benjamin Cummings, 2003.

Contact

Lecturer: Prof.dr.J. Zaanen (Jan)