Course Syllabus |
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Syllabus (This page) - PDF Course Content: Required Text: Gravity: An Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity, James B. Hartle, Addison Wesley, 2003.
One of the greatest
achievements in theoretical physics, only later to lead to exciting
frontiers in experimental and computational physics, was Einstein’s
development of the General Theory of Relativity from 1907 to 1915.
General Relativity is a theory of gravity and is necessary to understand
recent advances at the forefront physics research, including black hole
physics, the early universe, string theory, high energy physics and
astrophysics.
In this course students will
be carried from Newtonian dynamics and special relativity into the
physics of curved space times. We will be lead into the space-time of
spherical stars to rotating black holes. Along the way we will explore a
variety of applications in cosmology from the big bang to gravitational
waves and cosmological models of the universe.
General Relativity is a theory of gravitation. There are many texts on the subject, most aimed at beginning graduate students and beyond. There are a variety of approaches depending upon the balance between physics and mathematics and the geometrical approach taken. In this course we will set out to provide the physical foundations and develop the geometric background needed to understand some of the consequences of general relativity and to prepare students for reading graduate level texts. We will begin with an overview of special relativity and an introduction to four vectors and the geometry of flat spacetime. Having examined inertial systems, we then move on to acceleration and gravity. This will lead to the introduction of curved spacetime and the study of the motion of test particles and light waves. Classic tests of general relativity can then be discussed as well as an assorted list of applications to cosmology, including black holes, gravitational waves and the big bang. If there is time, we will provide an overview of the Einstein equations. Prerequisites: Junior/Senior Standing. Preferably, students should have had a course in classical dynamics and should have completed Calculus III. Additional mathematics and physics is a plus. Interested students should contact Dr. Herman for additional information. Course Requirements: Homework: Homework assignments will be collected on a regular basis and you will be told when the work is due. As doing homework is very important for learning the material in this course, it will count as 30% of your grade.Papers/Projects: There are many interesting areas that might best be explored by individuals, or groups, outside the classroom. Such topics may arise in the course of the semester. You will be required to do at least two in-depth papers in this class. This will count 10% of your grade. Exams and Grades: Exams and Grades: There will be a two 50 minute exams and a final exam. The exams will cover the basic material up to the date of the exam. The tentative dates for the exams are below.
Your final grade will be based on the following:
This syllabus is subject to change! Homework Assignments You should do as many problems as you can to become proficient in this class. However, you are required to turn in all of the assigned problems for grading on the due date. All work is expected to be neat, in order and with all work provided. The homework assignments are listed at the course website. [See below.] Materials on the Web More information will be posted on the web related to the topics we are studying. Links can be found with summaries to the material, study suggestions, homework assignments, etc. These will be accessible through the instructor's homepage at
Student Disabilities: UNCW Disability Services supplies information about disability law, documentation procedures and accommodations that can be found at http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/disability/ . To obtain accommodations the student should first contact Disability Services and present their documentation to the coordinator for review and verification. |
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| E-Mail: Dr. Russell Herman | Last Updated: December 31, 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||