Unit name | General Relativity and Cosmology |
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Unit code | PHYSM1900 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Antognozzi |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites | |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Physics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit gives an introduction to the General Theory of Relativity and, via tensor calculus, derives the equations governing the behaviour of matter and radiation in the universe. Cosmological models based on Einstein's field equations will be described and their observable consequences discussed. Finally recent developments in the areas of large scale structure of the universe, dark matter and dark energy are considered.
Aims:
To provide a physical understanding of the General Theory of Relativity, to demonstrate how to apply the theory to the universe as a whole, and to show how what we measure relates to the intrinsic properties of the universe at earlier times. To make students familiar with the way in which the concept of a curved space-time relates to cosmological theories, and enable them to calculate the observable consequences of the evolution of the universe.
Students will be able to:
Lectures and problems classes
Formative assessment is provided through problems classes. The final unit mark comes from a 2 hour written examination (100%)
Schutz, B.F. A First Course in General Relativity