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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-03-1998
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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