PHYS4460 Relativity
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PHYS4460 Relativity

This course serves as an introduction to the central ideas of the theory of special relativity and general relativity. Topics in the theory of special relativity include: Lorentz transformation, relativistic kinematics and collisions, covariant formulation of electrodynamics. Elements of differential geometry such as metric, vectors, covariant differentiation and curvature will also be introduced. Topics in the general theory of relativity include: gravity as spacetime curvature, geodesic equation, Einstein equations, Schwarzschild metric, black holes, Robertson-Walker metric, and cosmology.
Prerequisite

Students should have taken PHY 3022 & PHY 3041, and achieved grades not lower than B. Those who have not taken these courses or do not have the requisite grade should seek approval from the instructor (kyoung@cuhk.edu.hk).

Lecturers

Professor Kenneth YOUNG
Room 211 Science Centre / 3943 4330
Room 311 MMW / 3943 6352
Please make appointment at end of class or by email kyoung@cuhk.edu.hk

Teaching Assistant

Mr YUNG Sai Kit
Room 316 Science Centre / 3943 6370 / 6284 9162 / skyung@phy.cuhk.edu.hk
Office Hour: F4-6

Mr LAU Kai Ming
Room 313 Science Centre / 3943 8158 / 9607 9120 / kmlau@phy.cuhk.edu.hk
Office Hour: M8-9

Lectures and tutorials

Mon 9:30 am - 11:15 am / SC LG23
Wed 11:30 am - 1:15 pm / LSB C1

Exercise class

Mon 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm / SC LG23

Reference Books

  • S Weinberg, Gravitation and cosmology: principles and applications of the general theory of relativity (Wiley) UL QC173.55.W47
  • CW Misner, KS Thorne & JA Wheeler, Gravitation (Freeman) UL QC178.M57
  • BF Schutz, A first course in general relativity (Cambridge) UL QC173.6.S38 1985

  • Assessment Scheme

    20%HomeworkDue each Monday at or before the beginning of exercise class
    30%MidtermMonday 24 October, 9:30 am - 11:15 am
    50%FinalTo be centrally scheduled

    Course Registration

    Aug 18 - 19, 2011

    Add/Drop

    Sept 12 - 19, 2011

    Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

    Attention is drawn to University policy and regulations on honesty in academic work, and to the disciplinary guidelines and procedures applicable to breaches of such policy and regulations. Details can be found at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/