Physics 236a: General Relativity

Fall 2015



Course Description

We introduce the basics of classical general relativity, starting from special relativity, through curved spacetime and Einstein's field equations, to some applications such as the physics of black holes.

Rough outline for first term:
  • Special Relativity
  • Manifolds, Vectors, Tensors, Geodesics
  • Non-gravitational physics in curved spacetime
  • Curvature
  • Einstein's Equations
  • Spherical Stars
  • Black Holes


    • 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