Phys 735: Gravitational Physics
Fall 2022 – Syllabus
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Instructor: Luca Bombelli Contact: E-mail: <bombelli at olemiss.edu>;
Phone: +1-662-915-5319 Location and Time: Lewis 104, TTh 9:30 – 10:45 am. Required Text: Supplementary Text: |
| Course Description: This is an introductory graduate-level course on modern relativistic gravitation and cosmology, based on general relativity. A previous exposure to special relativity will be very helpful, since that subject will only be quickly reviewed at the beginning of the course, and some knowledge of classical mechanics and electromagnetism will be assumed. After an introduction of the conceptual foundations and a review of some aspects of Newtonian gravity and special relativity, the main part of the course will cover: (i) Manifolds, tensor fields and curvature; (ii) Einstein's equation and some of its general properties; and (iii) Important solutions and applications–black holes, linearized gravity and gravitational radiation, and homogeneous, isotropic cosmology. |
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Assignments: Homework problems will be assigned frequently. Homework solutions should be readable and well organized, and should include all steps in the calculations and full explanations of the reasoning used. Homework will be graded both for technical content and for the completeness and clarity of the explanation. Quizzes and Exams: Short quizzes will be given at the beginning of the class every 1-2 weeks approximately. Quizzes may include conceptual questions and short exercises, and will be graded using the same criteria as for homework. Essay and Presentation: Each student will pick a topic, which should be related to the course subject but not repeat material that was covered in the class, and prepare a report on it. The written report must be submitted by Tuesday, Dec 6, and an oral presentation will be given on Thursday, Dec 8, the day reserved for the final exam.. Attendance: Attendance is expected and may be recorded each day of class. The UM attendance policy states that "The university requires that all students have a verified attendance at least once during the first two weeks of the semester for each course. If your attendance is not verified, then you will be dropped from the course and any financial aid will be adjusted accordingly. Please see http://olemiss.edu/gotoclass for more information." To comply with attendance verification requirements, a report of all students' attendance will be made by September 1st. |
Evaluation Grading Scheme Tentative Grading Scale |