PHYS415-11S2 (C) Semester Two 2011

General Relativity

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 11 July 2011
End Date: Sunday, 13 November 2011
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 24 July 2011
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 9 October 2011

Description

General Relativity

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Course Coordinator

For further information see Physics and Astronomy Head of Department

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Class/online debates 7%
Final Exam 65%
Homework 28%


65%     Final Exams
28%     Homework ( 4 assignments worth 7% each)
7%      Participation in problems classes.

Notes

This course introduces the foundations of general relativity - Einstein's theory of gravitational interactions - with applications. We begin with a physical motivation for general relativity in terms of the equivalence principle and tidal forces. We then develop the mathematical framework of differential geometry needed for working in curved space-time. Equipped with the machinery of connections, covariant derivatives, and the Riemann curvature tensor we will investigate the geodesic equations and Einstein's equations, which describe the dynamic relationship between matter and geometry. Applications will include the determination of orbits near stars and black holes, and the bending of light.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $808.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Physics and Astronomy .

All PHYS415 Occurrences

  • PHYS415-11S2 (C) Semester Two 2011
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