General Relativity

Sponsored by

Lecturer

Dr Volker Schlue, University of Melbourne

Synopsis

This course is an introduction to general relativity theory suitable for Honours/ Master’s students with a background in mathematics and physics alike. We motivate this theory of gravitation by drawing on ideas from Newton’s theory, special relativity, and electromagnetism. The course introduces students to elements of differential geometry, in particular geodesics, notions of curvature, and discusses the role of partial differential equations in the theory.

Following a discussion of the action principle, and the Einstein equations in the presence of matter, the course explores some of the main consequences of general relativity: The existence of gravitational waves, and the formation of black holes in gravitational collapse.

Course overview

Week 1: Special relativity, Newtonian gravity, and the equivalence principle

Week 2: Einstein’s field equations, conservation laws and the action principle

Week 3: General relativity as an evolution problem, and gravitational waves

Week 4: Black holes and gravitational collapse in spherical symmetry

Prerequisites

This course is aimed at students in physics and mathematics at the MSc level. It is foundational in the sense that it is a “first course in general relativity”, and assumes only exposure to topics that are typically covered in undergraduate courses in physics (such as electromagnetism) or mathematics (such as differential equations, and geometry of surfaces). All concepts in differential geometry are motivated and introduced in the course.

Assessment

TBA

Attendance requirements

Participation in all lectures and tutorials is expected.

For those completing the subject for their own knowledge/interest, evidence of at least 80% attendance at lectures and tutorials is required to receive a certificate of attendance.

Resources/pre-reading

TBA

Not sure if you should sign up for this course?

Take this QUIZ to self-evaluate and get a measure of the key foundational knowledge required.