General Relativity and Cosmology
Module PH2043
Module version of SS 2011
There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.
Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.
| available module versions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WS 2022/3 | WS 2021/2 | WS 2020/1 | WS 2019/20 | WS 2018/9 | WS 2017/8 | SS 2011 |
Basic Information
PH2043 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Specific catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
- Specialization Modules in Elite-Master Program Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (TMP)
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 h | 110 h | 10 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2043 in the version of SS 2011 was Alejandro Ibarra.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
- Introduction to differential geometry.
- The equivalence principle. Gravitation. The Einstein’s equation. Newtonian limit.
- The Schwartzschild Metric. Black holes.
- The weak field approximation. Gravitational waves.
- Cosmology: Homogeneity and isotropy, Robertson-Walker metric.
- Friedmann Equation. Hubble parameter. The expanding Universe.
Learning Outcome
After participation in the Module the student is able to:
- Understand the origin of gravity as the effect of the curvature of spacetime.
- Describe the classical experimental tests of general relativity: the deflection of light, the precession of perihelia and gravitational redshift.
- Understand the basic physics of black holes.
- Understand the basic properties of gravitational waves.
- Describe the different stages of the expanding Universe and derive the Hubble’s law.
Preconditions
No prior knowledge necessary, beyond the admission requirements for the master's degree.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO | 4 | General Relativity and Cosmology | Ibarra, A. |
Mon, 08:00–10:00, PH HS2 Wed, 10:00–12:00, PH HS2 |
eLearning current |
| UE | 2 | Exercise to General Relativity and Cosmology |
Responsible/Coordination: Ibarra, A. |
dates in groups |
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lecture, beamer presentation, board work, exercises in individual and group work
Media
practise sheets
Literature
- Spacetime and Geometry, S.Carroll
- Cosmology, S. Weinberg.
- The Early Universe, E. Kolb, S. Turner
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
In a written exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.
In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as an oral exam. In this case the time duration is 40 minutes.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.