Physics 786: General Relativity and Cosmology
Spring 2017

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, including cosmology. The course will compare the field-theoretic and geometric viewpoints of the subject, and time permitting will include an introduction to quantum fields in curved spacetime.

Development of general relativity

• The meaning of inertia
• Newtonian gravity
• The equivalence principle(s)
• Gravitation as a field theory
• Gravitation as geometry

Consequences of general relativity

• Bending of light
• Orbital precession
• Gravitational radiation
• Stars
• 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:  There is no required textbook. The instructor's notes will be made available at the course website following each class. The official recommended texts are Weinberg's book and the Feynman lectures, both excellent references despite their age, with insights that make those books unique. We will occasionally refer to recent developments in the subject, and links to relevant publications will be posted here.

• Recommended texts:
  • S. Weinberg, Gravitation and Cosmology
  • R. Feynman, F. Morinigo, W. Wagner, Feynman Lectures on Gravitation
  • A. Zee, Einstein Gravity in a Nutshell
  • S. Carroll, Spacetime and Geometry
  • R. Wald, General Relativity
  • L.D. Landau, The Classical Theory of Fields
  • F. Low, Classical Field Theory: Electromagnetism and Gravitation

Lecture Notes will be posted here:
                       

Lecture Notes 1		Lecture Notes 11		Lecture Notes 21
Lecture Notes 2		Lecture Notes 12		Lecture Notes 22
Lecture Notes 3		Lecture Notes 13
Lecture Notes 4		Lecture Notes 14
Lecture Notes 5		Lecture Notes 15
Lecture Notes 6		Lecture Notes 16
Lecture Notes 6		Lecture Notes 17
Lecture Notes 7		Lecture Notes 17.5
Lecture Notes 8		Lecture Notes 18
Lecture Notes 9		Lecture Notes 19
Lecture Notes 10		Lecture Notes 20

Problem Sets will generally be posted here Thursdays and due the following Thursday.
Problem Set 1 (pdf), due Thursday, February 2.   Solutions
Problem Set 2 (pdf), due Thursday, February 9.   Solutions
Problem Set 3 (pdf), due Thursday, February 23. Solutions
Problem Set 4 (pdf), due Thursday, March 2.    Solutions
Problem Set 5 (pdf), due Thursday, March 16.    Solutions
Problem Set 6 (pdf), due Thursday, March 23.    Solutions
Problem Set 7 (pdf), due Thursday, April 6.    Solutions
Problem Set 8 (pdf), due Thursday, April 20.    Solutions
Problem Set 9 (pdf), due Thursday, April 27.    Solutions