Basics of Special and General Relativity
Instructors: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Nikolaos PapadopoulosShortname: 08.128.7039
Course No.: 08.128.7039
Course Type: Vorlesung
Requirements / organisational issues
- Basic knowledge of linear algebra is assumed and- Standard courses in theoretical physics
The course consists of two weekly lecture hours, followed by an optional one-hour session for questions, discussion, and problem solving, as needed.
Recommended reading list
- Carroll, S.M.: Spacetime and Geometry, An Introduction to General Relativity, Cambridge University Press, 2019;
- Cheng, T. - P.: Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology, A Basic Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2009;
- Papadopoulos, N.A., Scheck, F.: Linear Algebra for Physics, Springer, 2024;
- Renteln, P.: Manifolds, Tensors, and Forms, An Introduction for Mathematicians and Physicists, Cambridge University Press, 2014;
- Ryder, L.: Introduction to General Relativity, Cambridge University Press, 2020.
Contents
Course ObjectivesThe purpose of this course is to develop the physical and mathematical foundations of Special and General Relativity (GR).
The principles of inertia, relativity, and equivalence will be discussed in depth, since they constitute the conceptual foundation of Newtonian mechanics, classical electrodynamics, and, most importantly, Special and General Relativity.
The course begins with a review of Special Relativity. In addition to the underlying physics, considerable attention will be given to the notation, its historical development, and its physical significance. Mastery of this notation is indispensable for a thorough understanding of General Relativity.
The main focus of the course is an introduction to General Relativity based on the equivalence principle. Particular emphasis will be placed on the underlying mathematical framework - differential geometry - which, by the nature of standard introductory courses on General Relativity, often receives only limited attention.
An optional third lecture hour will be offered, as needed, to address students' individual questions concerning both the mathematical and physical aspects of the material covered in the course.
Course Audience
This course is intended both for students who have previously taken a course on General Relativity and wish to review the subject from a different perspective or resolve remaining conceptual questions, and for students planning to take advanced courses in General Relativity and cosmology.
For the latter group, an early introduction to the mathematical formalism and the physical foundations provides an excellent preparation and can be essential for success in subsequent courses in these areas.
Dates
| Date (Day of the week) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11/02/2026 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 11/09/2026 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 11/16/2026 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 11/23/2026 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 11/30/2026 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 12/07/2026 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 12/14/2026 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 12/21/2026 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 01/11/2027 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 01/18/2027 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 01/25/2027 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 02/01/2027 (Monday) | 16:15 - 18:45 | 01 128 Galilei-Raum 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |