Physics 786:
General Relativity and Cosmology
Spring 2012
Class schedule: Mon,Wed 9:30-10:50, Small 160
Office hours: By arrangement, i.e.
stop by Josh's office to see if he's free.
Instructor: Josh Erlich, Small Hall 332B,
757-221-3763,
erlich@physics.wm.edu
This is a course on Einstein's theory of gravitation, including
the classic tests
and consequences of the theory. The course will compare the field-theoretic and geometric viewpoints of the subject, and time permitting will conclude
with an introduction to quantum fields in curved spacetime.
Development of general relativity
- The meaning of inertia
- Newtonian gravity
- The equivalence between gravitation and inertia
- Lorentzian field theory: Lagrangians, Hamiltonians, Conserved Currents
- Gravitation as a field theory
- Gravitation as curvature of spacetime
Consequences of general relativity
- Bending of light
- Orbital precession
- Gravitational radiation
- Black holes
- Cosmology
If spacetime allows
- Introduction to quantum field theory in curved spacetime
Course requirements and grade:
- Problem sets (80%)
- Final project (20%)
Reading material:
- Text: S. Weinberg, Gravitation and Cosmology
- Also recommended:
- R. Feynman, F. Morinigo, W. Wagner, Feynman Lectures on Gravitation
- S. Carroll, Spacetime and Geometry
- R. Wald, General Relativity
- F. Low, Classical Field Theory: Electromagnetism and Gravitation
- B. Schutz, A First Course in General Relativity
Lecture Notes:
Problem Sets:
Problem Set 1 (pdf), due Wednesday, February 1.
Solutions
Problem Set 2 (pdf), due Wednesday, February 15.
Solutions
Problem Set 3 (pdf), due Wednesday, February 22.
Solutions
Problem Set 4 (pdf), due Wednesday, March 14.
Solutions
Problem Set 5 (pdf), due wednesday, March 21.
Solutions
Problem Set 6 (pdf), due Wednesday, April 4.
Solutions
Problem Set 7 (pdf), due Monday, April 23.
Solutions