INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL RELATIVITY

The course is basically an introduction to general relativity including the use of differential geometry and tensor analysis. Special relativity and tensor theory will be discussed initially, followed by a tour through General Relativity. Deviation from Newtonian gravity and observational tests of both special and general relativity will be discussed where appropriate.

Topics Covered During Course

• Lorentz Transformations
• Tensor analysis and Differential Geometry
• Relativity, Gravity and Geometry
• Geodesics and Curvature
• Einsteins Field Equations
• Solutions to the Field Equations
• Black Holes and their Properties
• Relativistic Cosmologies

References and Texts

GENERAL RELATIVITY PRIMER Richard Price, American Journal of Physics, vol. 50 (4), April 1982.

Additional References:
• GRAVITATION (Misner, Thorne and Wheeler)
• The Membrane Paradigm (Thorne et al.)
• Problems in Relativity and Gravitation (Lightman, Press, Proice and Teuloksky)

LECTURES: T Th 17:00 to 18:15

HOMEWORK: Assigned Problems, tests and possibly a paper

GRADING: Letter grades