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
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)