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Valid for year : 2007
 
NFYD73 Theory of Relativity, 7,5 ECTS credits.
/Relativitetsteori/

For:   Fys  

 

Prel. scheduled hours: 56
Rec. self-study hours: 144

  Area of Education: Science

Subject area: Physics
  Advancement level (G1, G2, A): A

Aim:
The purpose of the course is to give a good understanding of the principles and consequences of the special and general theory of relativity and an introductory knowledge of relativistic cosmology. After a finished course the student knows how to:
  • use the relativistic covariant four vector formalism to solve problems within the special relativity
  • use the theory of Lorentz tensors to solve problems concerning electromagnetic fields with a relativistic formalism
  • use the mathematical formalism for connections and general tensors (like the Riemann tensor) to solve problems of general relativistic nature


Prerequisites: (valid for students admitted to programmes within which the course is offered)
Participation in NFYA34 Mechanics, NFYB32 Electromagnetic fields, and NFYC73 Analytical mechanics. NFYD70 Electromagnetic field theory and wave motion is recommended.

Note: Admission requirements for non-programme students usually also include admission requirements for the programme and threshhold requirements for progression within the programme, or corresponding.
Organisation:
The course is presented during 42 lecture-hours.

Course contents:
The postulates of special relativity, Lorentz-transformations, high energy dynamics, transformation properties of electromagnetic fields, the electromagnetic field tensor. Basic tensor calculus. The postulates of general relativity. Einstein's field equations, Schwarzsc ild's solution of the field equations. The deviation of light in a gravitational field, the perihelion drift of Mercury and the gravitational redshift is computed and related to the observed data. Black holes. An introduction to relativistic cosmology.

Course literature:
No special literature is followed, but R D'Inverno: Introducing Einsteins Relativity, Clarendon is recommended.
Examination:
A more detaoled study presented as a written essay.
Hand-in exercises and oral presentation.
 1 p
4 p
/
/
1,5 ECTS
6 ECTS
 


Course language is Swedish.
Department offering the course: IFM.
Director of Studies: Magnus Boman
Examiner: Rolf Riklund
Link to the course homepage at the department


Course Syllabus in Swedish

Linköping Institute of Technology
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Contact: TFK , val@tfk.liu.se
Last updated: 03/02/2007