6 ECTS credits
180 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4015691FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
Based on (parts of) the book by Sean Carroll mentioned below, which is used in class.
In the first half of the course, the formalism of general relativity is built up. An overview of special relativity is followed by an introduction to the necessary concepts from differential geometry (such as manifolds and curvature). In this language, Einstein’s description of the gravitational force is formulated.
In the second half of the course, we pay attention to experimental tests of the theory and to important physical applications: gravitational waves, cosmology and black holes. Some attention is devoted to questions left unanswered by the theory and to modern developments in gravitational research.
Not applicable
The student can explain and derive important concepts and results in general relativity, Einstein's description of gravity.
They can apply the theory to new physics problems.
They are able to situate this theory within modern physics. For instance, they can explain that Newton’s theory of gravity can be viewed as a limit of general relativity and that the latter does not answer all questions about gravity either.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 70% of the final mark.
Other Exam determines 30% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Final grade determined using:
- Oral exam with written preparation. The exam consists of theory as well as exercises.
- Three homeworks in the course of the semester.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Photonics Engineering: On campus traject
Master of Photonics Engineering: Online/Digital traject
Master of Physics and Astronomy: Minor Research
Master of Physics and Astronomy: Minor Economy and Business
Master of Physics and Astronomy: Minor Education
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: fysica (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)