Introduction to theory of Relativity
Vahid Karimipour
Sharif University of Technology
Description and Prerequisites
This is an introductory course in which we mainly cover special theory of relativity (Kinematics and Dynamics) but will also introduce the basic concepts of generatl relativy (Curved Spacetime, Einstein Equation of Gravitation, Schwartzchild Solutions and black holes). For those who want to learn General Relativity at an advanced level, I recommend the graduate courses on the subject which are thaught in our department.
Some Useful Texts
For further study you can consult any of the following texts.
- Special Theory of Relativity, by A. P. French,
- Introducing Einstein's Relativity, by R. D'Inverno,
- A short course in General Relativity, by J. Foster and J. D. Nightingale.
- General Relativity, by P.A.M. Dirac,
- Geometrical Methods of Mathematical Physics, by B. Schutz
- Gravitation and Cosmology, by S. Weinberg
Lecture Notes
The lecture notes (in Persian) are uploaded here as we go on through the course.
- Lorentz Transformation (last updated: 5-th Farvardin 1401-One problem added to the end of the list of problems, subsection 12.1 added.)
- Relativistic Mechanics (Last updated: 16th Farvardin 1401)
- Electromagnetism and Special Relativity (last updated: 15th Aban 1400)
- Reimannian Geometry (Updated on 15th of Ordibehesht 1401) Exercises added
- General Relativity, Principle of Equivalence (Updated on 4-3-1401)
- Einstein Field Equations in Vacuum, (Updated on 23-3-1401)
- Einstein Field Equations in the presence of matter
- Black Holes
- Gravitational Radiation
- Cosmology
- Solution of Final Exam Problems
- The details of your grades
Class Schedule and TA's.
The class holds on each Sunday and Tuesday from 5:00 pm till 6:30 pm. The lectures start on Tuesday 23th of Bahman 1400. This is the link of the class. It is advised that you use Google Chrome. The TA is
- Koorosh Sadri (mr.k.sadri@gmail.com)
and the recitations are hold here on the following times:
| Name of the TA | Weekly Schedule |
|---|---|
| Koorosh Sadri | Thursday, 4:00 pm |
| Omid Zarif | Wednesday, 4:00 pm |
Grading Systems
There are two midterm and one final exam with the following scores. Your final grade is determined according to the following table:
| Score from 20 | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Midterm Exam 1 | 6 | 18-1-1401 |
| Midterm Exam 2 | 6 | 22-2-1401 |
| Final Exam | 8 | To be announced |
| Class Activity (extra point) | 2 | -- |
By class activity I mean active participations in class discussions, i.e. asking good questions and giving correct answers.