Learning objectives
<br />To aquire a comprensive view of the actual understanding of gravitational phenomenology within the conceptual framework of Einstein General Relativity theory. In particular the causal structure of space-time, the notion of black hole, relativistic cosmology and gravitazional waves.<br />
Prerequisites
- - -
Course unit content
<br />The equivalence principle and its realization in terms of a four dimensional metric.<br />Relativistic Kinematics and space-time symmetries and Killing vectors. The Energy-Momentum tensor in special and general relativity.<br />Equation for the gravitational field. Variational formulation and the Hilber-Palatinin Action.<br />Exact solution of Einstein equations: the case of spherical symmetry and the Schwarzschild solution. Axial symmetry and the Kerr solution.<br />Linearization of the Einstein equation and Gravitational Waves. Properties of the 'Gravitational Waves' and experimental methods for their detection.<br />The classical tests of Einstein field equations: precesion of Mercury's perielion, gravitational deflection of light; indirect evidence of gravitational waves.<br />The Olbers' paradox. Relativistic cosmology: homogeneous spaces and the Friedman-Robertson-Walker metric. Cosmic expansion and the Hubble law.
Full programme
- - -
Bibliography
<br />Sean Carrol, "Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity", Addison Wesley; 1st edition (June 20, 2003).
Teaching methods
- - -
Assessment methods and criteria
- - -
Other information
- - -
