Group-theoretical features of special relativity and Minkowski space-time. Equivalence Principle and Pound-Rebka experiment. From equivalence principle to Geometry. Basic Riemannian geometry. Geodesic equations and test particles: newtonian limit. Einstein equations and Einstein-Hilbert action. Coupling matter-gravity. Linearized Einstein equations and gravitational waves. Schwarzschild metric and the classical tests of general relativity.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired: Basics features of relativistic classical field theories and General Relativity. Classical Predictions of General Relativity
Competence acquired: To study the properties of the geometries relevant for physical applications
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
The course provides part of the basic skills in order to approach the advanced materials in cosmology and grand unification theories/
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...):
150
Hours reserved to private study and other individual formative activities:
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 50
Further information
Office hours:
Monday 15.00-16.00
Type of Assessment
Traditional oral test
Course program
Group-theoretical features of special relativity and Minkowski space-time. Equivalence Principle and Pound-Rebka experiment. From equivalence principle to Geometry. Basic Riemannian geometry. Geodesic equations and test particles: newtonian limit. Einstein equations and Einstein-Hilbert action. Coupling matter-gravity. Linearized Einstein equations and gravitational waves. Schwarzschild metric and the classical tests of general relativity.