Physics 236b: General Relativity
Winter 2016
Course Description
This is an extension of Ph236a, which introduced the basics of classical
general relativity. In Ph236b we cover consequences and applications
of Einstein's theory of gravitation, including topics such as black
holes and gravitational waves.
Rough outline for second term:
Relativistic Stars
Black Holes
Gravitational Waves
3+1 Formulation of GR
Foundations of numerical relativity
Cosmology
Lectures
Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30pm to 3:55pm, 269 Lauritsen.
Textbook
Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler, Gravitation
Other books that you may find useful:
Wald, General Relativity
Carroll,
Spacetime and Geometry: an Introduction to General Relativity
Hartle,
Gravity: An Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity
Instructor
Mark Scheel, 337 Cahill, x8418, scheel (at) tapir (dot) caltech
Office Hours: M 1-2pm
Teaching Assistants
Belinda Pang, 357 Calhill, x8654, bpang (at) caltech
Office Hours: W 4-5pm
Homework
Assignments will be posted here every Thursday, and will be due the
following Thursday in class. This course is Pass/Fail by default,
based on homework assignments. 60% on homework assignments constitutes
a passing grade. There will be no exams.
Lecture Notes and Assignments