Gravitation and Cosmology
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA157
- Code
- 1FA157
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics A1F
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 30 August 2018
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
120 credits with Quantum Physics, Statistical Mechanics, Analytical Mechanics and Special Relativity.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- explain and describe the equivalence principle,
- explain the concept of a metric and solve geodesic equations,
- analyse and solve Einstein's equations for many situations,
- explain what a black hole is and describe its properties,
- describe the concepts within the standard cosmological model, such as the expanding universe, the cosmic microwave background radiation, dark matter as well as inflation.
Content
The course is an introduction to general relativity with applications to cosmology. Connections with modern research are emphasised throughout the course in order to bring the student up to date with the scientific frontline.
The first part of the course introduces general relativity; its mathematical basis in the form of Einstein's equations and the mathematics of curved space-time, metrics, curvature tensors and geodesics; the equivalence principle; classical tests of the theory such as the bending of light and the precession of the perihelion of Mercury; gravitational waves. The mathematical description of black holes in the form of the Schwarzchild metric with an analysis of its horizon and singularity. Kerr and Reissner-Nordström black holes.
The course's second part treats applications within cosmology. The mathematical description of the Robertson-Walker metric, the Big Bang, the expanding universe with a cosmological constant, dark matter, the cosmic microwave background radiation and inflation will be analysed and discussed.
Instruction
Lectures and lessons.
Assessment
Written examination at the end of the course combined with hand-in problems during the course.
If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.