00883 - Relativity

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will acquire the fundamental knowledge in the comprehension of special and general relativity and the geometric setup of these theories. Moreover, he/she will know some experimental tests of general relativity and spherical symmetry solutions of astrophysical interest, getting in contact with phenomena like pulsar and gravitational collapse. He/she will be able to afford simple calculations of solution of the field equations in spherical symmetry or in weak field approximation.

Course contents

1. Priniciples of special relativity and Lorentz transformations

2. Geometrical structure of special relativity

3. Relativistic dynamics

4. Electromagnetic field in covariant formalism

5. Equivalence principle and physical foundations of general relativity

6. Curved spaces, Riemannian manifolds, geomety of space-time

7. Dynamics in presence of gravitational field

8. Applications and experimental evidences of general realtivity

9. Elements of black hole theory

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes

S. Weinberg, Gravitation and Cosmology, Wiley, New York, 1972

R. D'Inverno, Introducing Einstein Relativity, Oxford University Press, 1992

 

Teaching methods

Blackboard lessons

Assessment methods

Oral examination

Office hours

See the website of Fiorenzo Bastianelli