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General Relativity
(dt. Allgemeine Relativitätstheorie)

Level, degree of commitment Specialization module, compulsory elective module
Forms of teaching and learning,
workload		 Lecture (2 SWS, mit integrierten recitation classen),
90 hours (30 h attendance, 60 h private study)
Credit points,
formal requirements		 3 CP
Course requirement(s): Successful completion of at least 50 percent of the points from the weekly exercises.
Examination type: Two examinations: presentation (1 CP) with written assignment (2 CP)
Language,
Grading		 English,
The grading is done with 0 to 15 points according to the examination regulations for the degree program M.Sc. Mathematics.
Duration,
frequency		 One semester,
Alle 3-4 Semester
Person in charge of the module's outline Prof. Dr. Ilka Agricola

Contents

  • Introduction: why general relativity and why it is formulated in the language of differential geometry.
  • Einstein's field equations and some exact solutions
  • Relativistic astrophysics and cosmological models
  • Petrov classification of exact solutions and algebraic properties of the curvature tensor
  • Gravitational waves: Theory, numerics, and experimental evidence

Qualification Goals

Students

  • possess basic knowledge and skills in an interdisciplinary subject between pure mathematics and theoretical physics
  • Have practiced advanced working methods. The course provides a complex example of mathematical modeling of physical theories, including theoretical derivation of experimentally verifiable predictions.
  • Have been introduced to scientific work through exposure to selected original literature.

Prerequisites

None. The competences taught in the following module are recommended: Complex Analysis and Vector Analysis.


Applicability

Module imported from M.Sc. Mathematics.

It can be attended at FB12 in study program(s)

  • B.Sc. Mathematics
  • M.Sc. Mathematics
  • LAaG Mathematics

When studying LAaG Mathematics, this module can be attended in the study area Advanced Modules.

The module is assigned to Pure Mathematics. Further information on eligibility can be found in the description of the study area.


Recommended Reading

  • S. Hawking and G. Ellis, The large-scale structure of space-time. Cambridge 1973.
  • C. Misner, K. Thorne and J. Wheeler, Gravitation. Freeman, 1973.
  • B. O'Neill, Semi-Riemannian geometry. Academic Press, 1983.
  • B. O'Neill, The geometry of Kerr black holes. A K Peters, Ltd. 1995.
  • N. Straumann, Allgemeine Relativitätstheorie und relativistische Astrophysik. LNP 150, Springer, 1988.



Please note:

This page describes a module according to the latest valid module guide in Winter semester 2023/24. Most rules valid for a module are not covered by the examination regulations and can therefore be updated on a semesterly basis. The following versions are available in the online module guide:

  • Winter 2016/17 (no corresponding element)
  • Summer 2018 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2018/19 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2019/20 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2020/21 (no corresponding element)
  • Summer 2021 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2021/22 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2022/23 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2023/24

The module guide contains all modules, independent of the current event offer. Please compare the current course catalogue in Marvin.

The information in this online module guide was created automatically. Legally binding is only the information in the examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung). If you notice any discrepancies or errors, we would be grateful for any advice.