MTH 437/537: General Relativity
Spring 2015

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Tevian Dray

Office hours: MF 1:30–2:30 PM and W 10:30–11:30 AM in Kidder 298A (and by appt)

Phone: 737-5159

Email:

Class Meetings:

MWF 3–3:50 PM in Weniger 275

Text:

Tevian Dray, Differential Forms and the Geometry of General Relativity

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

Check the announcements page frequently.

Course Evaluation:

There will be (roughly) weekly homework (40% of grade), a midterm (30%), and a take-home final (30%).

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.
A partial list of course goals can be found here.

Prerequisites:

The formal prerequisite for MTH 437 is MTH 434. A working knowledge of both multivariable calculus and linear algebra is essential. although what is really needed is a certain amount of scientific maturity, rather than background in a particular area.

Students not meeting the formal prerequisites will need to contact the instructor to request an override.

Students with Disabilities:

Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Disability Access Services (DAS). Students with accommodations approved through DAS should contact me prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through DAS should contact DAS immediately. Further information is available on the DAS website.