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[ 461GGPHRETV23 ] VL Relativistic Theory
Versionsauswahl
Workload Education level Study areas Responsible person Hours per week Coordinating university
3 ECTS M2 - Master's programme 2. year Physics Frank Müh 2 hpw Johannes Kepler University Linz
Detailed information
Original study plan Master's programme Physics 2025W
Learning Outcomes
Competences
Upon successful completion of the course, students are able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and established concepts of special relativity (and optionally in general relativity), covering the areas listed below. They are able to apply the tensor calculus to physical problems. They are aware of open questions and can describe further topics in relativistic physics.

This lecture is methodologically complemented by the exercise Relativistic Theory.

Skills Knowledge
Upon completing the course, students will possess the following skills. They are able to

  • understand basic concepts of tensor calculus (k1/k2);
  • apply tensor calculus to physical problems (k1-k3);
  • understand the concept of non-Euclidean geometry and its relevance to physics (k1/k2);
  • understand basic principles and correctly interpret theoretical concepts of special relativity (k1-k3);
  • understand basic concepts of relativistic mechanics (k1/k2);
  • link the concepts of tensor calculus and special relativity to those of electrodynamics (k1/k2);
  • use the concepts of tensor calculus and special relativity to clarify counter-intuitive results from relativistic physics (k3/k4);
  • understand basic concepts of general relativity (optional) (k1/k2).
During the course, students will acquire knowledge in the following areas and concepts of relativistic theory:

  • curvilinear coordinate systems;
  • tensor calculus;
  • non-Euclidean geometry;
  • pseudo-Euclidean space;
  • inertial systems;
  • Galilei and Lorentz transformation;
  • k-calculus;
  • Minkowski space;
  • relativistic kinematics;
  • relativistic paradoxes;
  • relativistic mechanics;
  • covariant formulation of electrodynamics;
  • basic concepts of general relativity (optional).
Criteria for evaluation written or oral exam
Details are announced at the beginning of the semester.
Methods lecture with derivations and example calculations
Language English
Study material R. d´Inverno: Einführung in die Relativitätstheorie, VCH 1995
J. Foster, J.D. Nightingale: A Short Course in General Relativity, Springer 2006
Changing subject? Yes
Further information Subjects may change.
Possible variants: Quantum Field Theory or Standard Model instead of General Relativity;
Study Material: M.D. Schwartz: Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model, Cambridge University Press 2014
Earlier variants They also cover the requirements of the curriculum (from - to)
461WTPHRTHV16: VL Relativistic Theory (2016W-2023S)
On-site course
Maximum number of participants -
Assignment procedure Direct assignment