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Relativity and Cosmology
PHYS354 SP
This is 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:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NONE
Grading Mode:
Student Option
Prerequisites:
(PHYS215 AND PHYS224 AND MATH222)
Last Updated on MAR-24-2000
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