General Relativity

6 EC

Semester 1, period 1

5354GERE6Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. A. Castro Anich
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, year 1Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, year 1Master Physics and Astronomy, track Astronomy and Astrophysics, year 1Master Mathematical Physics, year 1Master Astronomy and Astrophysics, track GRAPPA/Astro, year 1

Course manual 2018/2019

Course content

After a very brief review of Special Relativity, the concept of spacetime manifold is introduced motivated by Einstein equivalence principle. Important quantities such as manifolds, metric tensors, connections and curvature are introduced. The Einstein equation is derived based on this foundation. The Einstein equation is solved for several simple situations such as spherically symmetric spacetime, or homogeneous and isotropic universe. The main application will be to understand modern concepts related to black holes physics; other applications that will be discussed include gravitational waves, and cosmology.

Study materials

Literature

  • S. Carroll, 'Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity', Addison Wesley.

Objectives

This course will introduce the modern perspectives of spacetime and geometry, and the foundations of general relativity. The first important objective is to derive the Einstein equation of the spacetime structure, and the second objective is to apply the Einstein equation to derive the concepts of black holes, gravitational waves, and expanding universe.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Seminar

Lectures and exercise sessions.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Hoorcollege

28

Tentamen

3

Werkcollege

28

Zelfstudie

109

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article 1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    0.7 (70%)

    Tentamen

    0.15 (15%)

    Homework 1

    0.15 (15%)

    Homework 2

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1 Manifolds ch 2
    2 Curvature ch 3
    3 Curvature ch 3
    4 Einstein equations ch 4
    5 Einstein equations ch 4 
    6 Schwarzschild solution ch 5
    7 Black Holes ch 6
    8 Exam week  

    Timetable

    The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

    Additional information

    Recommended prior knowledge: pre-knowledge of Special Relativity and basic electromagnetism is required.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. A. Castro Anich