MTH 437/537: General Relativity
Spring 2024
Announcements,
Books,
Homework,
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Tevian Dray
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Office hours:
TR 2:30–3:30 PM
(and by appt)
in Kidder 298A
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Phone: 737-5159
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Email:
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Class Meetings:
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TR 4–5:20 PM in Wngr 328
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Text:
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Tevian Dray,
Differential Forms and the Geometry of General Relativity
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Web Site:
https://math.oregonstate.edu/~tevian/onid/MTH437
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This page is the course website.
Most course information will be posted here, not on Canvas.
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Check the announcements page frequently.
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Course Evaluation:
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There will be (roughly) weekly homework (40% of grade), a midterm (30%),
and a final (30%).
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Course Description:
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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.
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Prerequisites:
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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.
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Students not meeting the formal prerequisites will need to contact the
instructor to request an override.
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Students with Disabilities:
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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.