Introduction to General Relavity and Cosmology
615.772
Course Description
This course presents an introduction to Einstein's theory of gravitation, General
Relativity, and its importance to the problems of gravitational collapse and cosmology.
The mathematical formalism of General Relativity is presented and then applied to the
formation of black holes. The energetics of black holes and their possible role in
astrophysical phenomena such as quasars and active galaxies is discussed. The distribution
of matter in a cosmological scale is discussed and the structure of the universe as
function of the distribution of matter is examined.
This course is offered in the spring semester (odd years).
Prerequisites
615.441
Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering or the equivalent.
Instructor
Amir H. Najmi completed the Mathematical Tripos (B.A. and M.A.) at
Cambridge University (England) and obtaind a D.Phil. [Ph.D.] from Oxford University
(England) in theoretical physics. He was a Fulbright Scholar at the Relativity Centre of
the University of Texas at Austin, a Research Associate and Instructor at the physics
department at the University of Utah, and a Research Physicist at the Shell Oil
Geophysical Research Centre in Houston. Dr. Najmi is currently a member of Senior Staff at
the Applied Physics Laboratory of the Johns Hopkins University.
Course Section, Location, and Time
| 615.772.31 | Applied Physics Laboratory | Thursday | 4:30-7:10 |
Computer Lab Requirements
No specific computer requirements are necessary for this course.
Textbook
Class notes by A.H. Najmi
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Applied
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