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Physics 5500 Special Topics: General Relativity
Physics 6910: Relativity I
Fall 2010
SER 122, 2:30-3:20 MWF
One additional hour per week for computational methods
Instructors: James
T. Wheeler, Charles Torre
Coordinates: jim.wheeler@usu.edu
SER 228
Office hours: By
appointment
Text: A First Course in
General Relativity, by Bernard Schutz
Second Edition, Cambridge
University Press
Subjects treated:
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Review of Special Relativity
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Mathematical methods of General Relativity
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The General Theory of Relativity
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Applications of General Relativity to black holes and
cosmology
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Use of MPL software for geometric calculations
Goals:
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Learn the mathematical tools required for by special
relativity and general relativity, including basics of tensor analysis and
differential geometry.
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Be able to compute and use the metric, connection and
curvature of a Riemannian geometry.
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Understand the physical content of general relativity,
including the effect of matter on the geometry of spacetime and the effect of
geometry on the motion of matter.
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Show an understanding of the application of general
relativity to the description of collapsed stars and cosmology.
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Become familiar with the various experimental tests of
general relativity.
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Use Maple subroutines to compute geometric properties.
Grading
Your grade
will be based on the following weighting of course elements:
Homework: 30%
Midterm
I: 30%
Total: 100%
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Students with
ADA-documented physical, sensory, emotional or medical impairments may be
eligible for reasonable accommodations. Veterans may also be eligible for
services. All accommodations are coordinated through the Disability Resource
Center (DRC) in Room 101 of the University Inn, (435)797-2444 voice,
(435)797-0740 TTY, (435)797-2444 VP, or toll free at 1-800-259-2966. Please
contact the DRC as early in the semester as possible. Alternate format
materials (Braille, large print or digital) are available with advance
notice. |
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