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PHYS354

Relativity and Cosmology
PHYS354 SP

Photo Caption and Credits

Next Offered in 9899 SP

An introduction to the special and general theories of relativity, with emphasis on fundamental principles, experimental tests and applications to cosmology.

MAJOR READINGS

Selected readings from various texts,
including:
W. Rindler, ESSENTIAL RELATIVITY
I.R. Kenyon, GENERAL RELATIVITY
H.C. Ohanian, GRAVITATION AND SPACETIME

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two take-home exams and a final term paper; weekly problem sets.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Familiarity with the basic ideas of special relativity, classical dynamics and E&M, as presented in PHYS215 and PHYS224, is assumed. Faithful attendance is required. A large part of the course is necessarily spent learning the rudiments of tensor analysis and differential geometry. Although previous exposure to these topics is NOT assumed, a course such as MATH283 (Differential Geometry) would certainly be helpful.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00

Prerequisites: PHYS215 and PHYS224 and MATH222

Last Updated on MAR-10-1997



About the Photo:

Motions of the planets as seen from Earth.

Reference:

Tipler, Paul A., PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS VOL. 1. New York: Worth Publishers, Inc., 1990



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