MTH 437/537: General Relativity
Spring 1999

Web Site: http://math.oregonstate.edu/~tevian/onid/Courses/MTH437

Lectures:
MWF at 3 in Kidder 280

Course Description:
This course is a nearly self-contained introduction to Einstein's theory of general relativity, one of the most mathematically elegant physical theories ever proposed. In essence, this theory says that gravity is curvature!

After briefly considering special relativity from a geometric point of view we will then study the Einstein field equations. We will examine several special solutions of these equations, including simple cosmological models, such as the Big Bang, and black holes.

Prerequisites:
The recommended prerequisite for this course is MTH 420.

Grades:
There will be (roughly) weekly homework, a midterm, and a final; both exams will most likely be take-home.

Texts: (See also the list of other books.)