2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS5390M General Relativity
15 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Stuart Lumsden
Email: s.l.lumsden@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Pre-requisite qualifications
Level 2 Physics or equivalentModule replaces
PHYS5160MThis module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
At the end of this module, students should be able to:- explain the physical and mathematical principles of general relativity;
- derive (or, in complex cases, describe the derivation of) equations governing spacetime geometry and the motion of particles in curved spacetimes;
- describe the geometrical structures of Schwarzschild and Robertson-Walker spacetimes and their physical interpretations;
- solve simple problems related to differential geometry and tensor calculus; particle motion and light propagation in Schwarzschild and Robertson-Walker spacetimes; the standard cosmological model.
Learning outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of most fundamental laws and principles of physics, along with their application to a variety of areas in physics, some of which are at (or are informed by) the forefront of the discipline;
Solve advanced problems in physics using appropriate mathematical tools;
Use mathematical techniques and analysis to model physical behaviour and interpret mathematical descriptions of physical phenomena;
Communicate complex scientific ideas concisely, accurately and informatively;
Manage own learning and make use of appropriate texts, research articles and other primary sources.
Skills outcomes
Ability to solve physical problems using mathematics.
Ability to grasp a complex body of ideas.
Syllabus
Review of special relativity. Lorentz transformations; geometrical structure of Minkowski spacetime. Impossibility of describing gravitational forces.
Geometry of space and time. Spacetime as a differentiable manifold. Differential geometry and tensor calculus. Affine connection: parallel transport, covariant derivative, curvature, geodesics. Metric: definition of length and angle, metric connection.
General relativity I. Principle of equivalence. Motion of test particles in curved spacetime; Newtonian limit; gravitational forces.
General relativity II Effect of matter on spacetime geometry; Einstein's field equations; Newtonian limit; gravitational fields.
Gravitational effects of a spherical body. Schwarzschild solution. Meaning of distances and times. Tests of general relativity. Black holes.
Cosmology. Friedmann - Lemaitre models. The standard hot big bang model. The early universe
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
| Private study hours | 128.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Examples: 40 hours;Exam preparation: 28 hours;
Reading and assimilation: 60 hours.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
4 x homework assignments (not assessed)Methods of assessment
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 26/04/2017
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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