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About course

FSI3030 Relativity Theory 7.5 credits

Administer About course

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus FSI3030 (Spring 2019–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

I. Special relativity

Repetition of tensor notation. The meaning of relativity theory. Einstein's postulates. Geometry of the Minkowski space and Lorentz transformations. Length contraction and time dilation. The twin paradox and proper time. Energy and momentum in special relativity. Maxwell's equations and their relativistic covariance.

II. Basic differential geometry

Local coordinates on manifolds. Covariant and contravariant vectors and tensors. (Pseudo-)Riemannian metric. Covariant derivative (Levi-Civita connection and Christoffel symbols). Parallel transport. Curvature of spacetime.

III. General relativity

The principle of equivalence. Gravitational redshift and light deflection. The Schwarzschild spacetime and experimental tests of general relativity. Einstein's field equations. Introduction to cosmological models.

Intended learning outcomes

After completed course, the PhD student should be able to:

  • use tensor notation in relativity theory.
  • apply the concepts of length contraction and time dilation as well as use Lorentz transformations.
  • solve simple kinematical problems.
  • analyze Maxwell's equations and use their relativistic invariance.
  • compute basic quantities in differential geometry.
  • analyze Einstein's field equations as well as know and use some important solutions to these.
  • report some experimental tests of general relativity.
  • have knowledge about cosmological models.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Vector Analysis.
Electromagnetic Theory.
Mathematical Methods in Physics.

Recommended prerequisites

Basic course in relativity theory 

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

Ta-Pei Cheng: Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology, Oxford University Press (2005)

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

P, F

Examination

  • INL1 - Assignment, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Oral exam, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

A written exam and assignment

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

This course does not belong to any Main field of study.

Education cycle

Third cycle

Add-on studies

SI3035

Contact

Edwin Langmann

Postgraduate course

Postgraduate courses at SCI/Physics