School: School of Arts and Sciences

Semester: Monsoon 2023 (August 1, 2023 - November 26, 2023)

Application Deadline: July 28, 2023

Credits: 3

Lecture Time & Weekdays

Monday and Wednesday, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Prerequisite: Familiarity with Differential Equations and Multivariable Calculus

Course 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.

Course Objectives: 

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, the student will be able to

  • Gain familiarity with basic concepts from differential geometry and apply them in studying General Relativity
  • Apply and solve Einstein equations for systems such as a spherically symmetric star, black hole, and an isotropic and homogeneous Universe
  • Apply their understanding of General Relativity to current areas of research such as gravitational waves

Pedagogy: Lectures, Problem solving, assignments

Expectation from Students: 

  • Seriousness and Interest
  • Attend all sessions
  • Spend time on calculations in addition to intuitive understanding

Assessment/Evaluation

  • Other Components:
    • Quiz - 20%
    • Assignment - 20%
  • Mid-Semester Examination:
    • Presentation - 20%
  • End Semester Examination:
    • Written - 40%

Attendance Policy: As per Ahmedabad University Policy

Course Material

Text Book(s)

  • Gravity-An Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity, James Hartle, 1st Edition, Pearson education India, ISBN: 978-9332535084, Year: 2014

Reference Book

  • A First Course in General Relativity, B Schutz, 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 978- 0521887052, Year:2009
  • General Relativity: An Introduction for Physicists, M. P. Hobson, G. P. Efstathiou, A. N. Lasenby, Illustrated Edition, Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 978-0521829519, Year: 2006
  • Global Aspects in Gravitation and Cosmology: No.87 (International Series of Monographs on Physics), Pankaj S.Joshi , 1st edition Edition, Clarendon Press, ISBN: 978-0198539667, Year: 1994

Faculty

ritesh shukla

PANKAJ JOSHI

Director
International Centre for Space and Cosmology
Distinguished Professor of Physics

[email protected]

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