Repetition of tensor notation. The meaning of relativity. Einstein's postulates. Geometry of Minkowski space and Lorentz transformations. Comparisons with Euclidean geometry. Length contraction and time dilation. Experimental tests of special relativity. The twin paradox and proper time. Relativistic optics. Relativistic mechanics (especially kinematic problems). Electrodynamics (with focus on relativistic invariance). Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formalisms in relativity.
SH2373 Special Relativity 7.5 credits
Information per course offering
Information for Autumn 2025 Start 27 Oct 2025 programme students
- Course location
AlbaNova
- Duration
- 27 Oct 2025 - 12 Jan 2026
- Periods
Autumn 2025: P2 (7.5 hp)
- Pace of study
50%
- Application code
51390
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
- No information inserted
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Part of programme
- No information inserted
Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus SH2373 (Autumn 2025–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus SH2373 (Autumn 2025–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After passing the course, the student should be able to:
- Use tensor notation in relativity.
- Use the geometry of Minkowski space and Lorentz transformations.
- Compare the geometry of Minkowski space with Euclidean geometry.
- Apply the concepts of length contraction and time dilation.
- Describe experimental tests of special relativity.
- Use and solve problems in relativistic optics.
- Use and solve problems in relativistic mechanics (including kinematics problems).
- Perform analyzes in electrodynamics (especially analyze Maxwell's equations and use their relativistic invariance).
- Explain the principle of relativity.
- Perform simpler analyzes using the Hamiltonian and Lagrange formalisms in special relativity.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
English B/English 6
Completed course in Vector Analysis (SI1146, ED1110, or equivalent)
Completed course in Theoretical Electrical Engineering (EI1320 or equivalent)
Completed course in Mathematical Methods of Physics (SI1200 or equivalent)
Literature
You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.
Examination and completion
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- TEN1 - Examination, 7.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, 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.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
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
Engineering Physics
Education cycle
Second cycle