Admission requirements
Theory of General Relativity.
Description
This course provides an introduction to two important themes in the physics of gravity:
1. the dynamical aspects of the space-time geometry as represented by gravitational waves;
2. the properties of the gravitationally collapsed objects (black holes).
Both topics are part of intensive present research activities in physics and astronomy.
Specific subtopics discussed are:
Topic 1:
Linearized Einstein equations
Quadrupole radiation
Radiation loss of binary stars
Detection of gravitational waves
Topic 2:
Schwarzschild and Kerr geometry
Geodesics and conservation laws
Gravitational collapse
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
have a basic understanding of the physical characteristics of gravitational waves and black holes, and their theoretical description in the framework of General Relativity;
derive basic results from first principles and perform computations of the most important effects open to experimental and observational verification.
Timetable
Physics Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace
Mode of instruction
See Brightspace
Assessment method
A single two-part examination, on the topics of gravitational waves and black holes separately, with equal weight.
The final grade will be determined as follows:
- Final exam (100%)
Reading list
S. Carroll: Spacetime and geometry. An introduction to General Relativity, Addison Wesley (2004)
M. Maggiore: Gravitational Waves: Volume 1: Theory and Experiments, Oxford University Press (2018)
Additional lecture notes and supplememtary reading will be provided
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.
Contact
Lecturer: Dr. S.P. Patil
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.