Admission Requirements
BSc physics, BSc astronomy, BSc mathematics. This course assumes working knowledge of Newtonian gravity and Special Relativity, including familiarity with Minkowski diagrams and the use of the Einstein summation convention. These topics will not be reviewed in this course. An introductory bachelor course in gravity such as the "Astronomica Relativity" course offered in Leiden is strongly recommended.
Description
The classical theory of gravity can be interpreted as the geometry of space-time.It combines the language of field theory with the language of differential geometry on manifolds. The basic concepts of these subjects will be introduced and it will be shown how they are used to describe gravitational phenomena, from relativistic corrections to orbits of planets and stars, to gravitational waves, black holes and the evolution of the universe at large.
Topics:
Equivalence principle, geodesic motion
Differential geometry on manifolds, including the concepts of metric, connection and curvature
Symmetries and Killing vectores
Einstein equations, variational principle
Schwarzschild solution, stars and black holes
Cosmology of a homogeneous and isotropic universe
Gravitational waves
Course objectives
This course provides the basis for work in relativistic astronomy, cosmology, quantum gravity and applications. It will :
acquaint you with the concepts of field theory and differential geometry
teach you to use these concepts to solve problems of gravitational physics and cosmology
prepare you for advanced courses on gravitational physics and cosmology
allow you to access the scientific literature on these topics and understand the recent progress in experimental and observational research
Timetable
Physics Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
See Brightspace
Assessment method
To be discussed with the students a few weeks into the course. Typically a final written exam determines the grade of the course, but there are options for a more continuous form of assessment that can influence the final grade. These may include a midterm exam or a group project or both.
Reading list
Primary text book:
- S. Carroll, Spacetime and Geometry, an Introduction to General Relativity (Benjamin Cummings, 2003).
Recommended background reading:
J.B. Hartle, an introduction to Einstein's general relativity, (Addison-Wesley, 2003). A bachelor level introductory text stressing the physical concepts.
R. Wald, General Relativity (Univ. Chicago Press, 1984). High level treatise of the relevant differential geometry.
C. Misner, K. Thorne, J.A. Wheeler, Gravitation (Freeman, 1973). Standard text on the professional level
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Lecturer: Prof.dr.A. Achucarro (Ana)
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.