Einstein's General Theory of Relativity represents a pinnacle of modern physics, providing the most accurate description of the action of gravity across the cosmos. To Newton, gravity was simply a force between masses, but Einstein's mathematical language describes gravity in terms of the bending and stretching of space-time. In this course, students will review Einstein's principle of relativity, and the mathematical form of special relativity, and the flat space-time this implies. This will be expanded and generalised to consider Einstein's principle of equivalence and the implications for particle and photon motion with curved space-time. Students will explore the observational consequences of general relativity in several space-time metrics, in particular the Schwarzschild black hole, the Morris-Thorne wormhole, and the Alcubierre warp drive, elucidating the nature of the observer in determining physical quantities. Building on this knowledge, students will understand Einstein's motivation in determining the field equations, relating the distribution of mass and energy to the properties of space-time. Students will apply the field equations, including deriving the cosmological Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric from the assumption of constant curvature, and using this to determine the universal expansion history and key observables. In a computational assignment, students will also implement the integration of geodesics through specific space-times. Students will obtain a complete picture of our modern cosmological model, understanding the constituents of the universe, the need for inflation in the earliest epochs, and the ultimate fate of the cosmos.
Unit details and rules
Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
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Credit points | 6 |
Prerequisites
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None |
Corequisites
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None |
Prohibitions
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PHYS4123 |
Assumed knowledge
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A major in physics and knowledge of special relativity |
Available to study abroad and exchange students | Yes |
Teaching staff
Coordinator | Bruce Yabsley, bruce.yabsley@sydney.edu.au |
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Lecturer(s) | Geraint Lewis, geraint.lewis@sydney.edu.au |