PHYS 414 - Introduction to General Relativity

Students in this course will build enough geometric machinery to understand the mathematical formulation and physical significance of general relativity. Focus will be on field equations and particle motion associated with gravity. Predictions studied will be: perihelion precession, bending of light, gravitational redshift (among others), as well as current experimental tests. Exact solutions to Einstein’s equation and the strong field predictions for particle motion outside of static, rotating, and charged black holes will be considered.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group III
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 311 and PHYS 321
Instructional Method: Lecture
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Use and evaluate quantitative data or modeling, or use logical/mathematical reasoning to evaluate, test or prove statements.
Given a problem or question, formulate a hypothesis or conjecture, design an experiment, and collect data or use mathematical reasoning to test or validate it.
Collect, interpret, and analyze data.