Gravitational Waves

3 EC

Semester 2, period 5

5354GRWA3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator Andreas Freise
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Physics and Astronomy, track Astronomy and Astrophysics, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy, Double master Mathematics and Physics,

Course manual 2020/2021

Course content

The course starts with an introduction to general relativity (GR). The Einstein field equations and its properties are discussed. Next the linearized Einstein equations are derived, which lead to the prediction of gravitational waves. Interesting sources of gravitational radiation are discussed, such as two black holes spiraling towards each other and colliding. Experimental efforts to gain access to the strong-field regime of GR through direct observation of gravitational waves are explained. We then turn to data analysis of the recent gravitational-wave detections: how they were discovered and how their parameters were measured. The emphasis throughout is how these observations allow us to address fundamental problems in physics.

There are also required weekly homework assignments. 

Study materials

Literature

  • B. Schutz, 'A first course in general relativity'.
  • J.B. Hartle, 'Gravity: An introduction to Einstein's general relativity'.
  • M. Maggiore, 'Gravitational waves: volume :Theory and experiments'.

Syllabus

Other

Objectives

  • To introduce students to current research topics in gravitational-wave theory, experiment, data science and astrophysics.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Seminar
  • Presentation/symposium

Lectures and tutorials.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

84

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 A-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

    0.1 (10%)

    project presentation

    0.1 (10%)

    Assignment 1

    0.1 (10%)

    Assignment 2

    0.1 (10%)

    Assignment 3

    0.1 (10%)

    Assignment 4

    0.1 (10%)

    Assignment 5

    0.4 (40%)

    Final report

    The Project will be graded: Originality - 10%; Quality - 50%; Complexity - 40%

    Assignments

    Homework

    • Will be graded individually. 

    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

    Lecture Topic
    1

    Introduction and overview of the field
    2

    The Einstein field equations
    3

    Properties of gravitational waves
    4

    Experimental gravitational wave detection
    5

    Gravitational wave data analysis

    Timetable

    The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • Andreas Freise