General Relativity and Cosmology

Description

The course will cover the Einstein theory of gravity, or General Relativity, and the basics of black hole physics and cosmology. The course will include an introduction to tensors and differential geometry, curved spacetime, Einstein equations, the Schwarzschild solution for a star and black hole, gravitational collapse, gravitational waves and topics in cosmology.

Objective

To introduce students to General Relativity, to experimental evidence in favour of General Relativity, and the application of General Relativity to the phenomenon of gravitational collapse, and the study of black holes, gravitational waves and topics in cosmology.

Learning Outcomes

After taking this course, students will be able to:

1. Gain familiarity with basic concepts from differential geometry and apply them in studying General Relativity

2. Apply and solve Einstein equations for systems such as a spherically symmetric star, black hole, and an isotropic and homogeneous Universe

3. Apply their understanding of General Relativity to current areas of research such as gravitational waves