Prerequisite to General Relativity/Cosmology Undergad course

In summary, the conversation is about a student looking for help with the prerequisites for an undergraduate General Relativity and Cosmology course. The syllabus includes topics such as Special Relativity, Spacetime in GR, Geodesics, Energy-momentum tensor, Riemann Curvature Tensor, and more. The student is advised to talk to their professor or another professor in the department for guidance, but unfortunately, the professor is currently unreachable. The student's academic advisor is also unable to help since the professor has not taught the course in many years.
  • #1
Joker93
504
36
Hello, If anyone could help me with the prerequitisetes for an undergraduate General Relativity and Cosmology course I will enroll into, It will be much appreciated.
The syllabus is the following(sorry for the rough translation):

-Review of Special Relativity
-Spacetime in GR
-Geodesics
-Energy-momentum tensor
-Riemann Curvature Tensor
-Einstein Equation
-Schwarzschild Solution
-GR tests
-Black Holes: Schwarzschild and Kerr
-Hawking Radiation
-Gravitational radiation
-Gravitons
-Robertson-Walker metric
-Friedman models
-Event Horizon
-Big Bang
-Dark Matter
Astrophysics: Hydrostatic balance of stars, temperature, Brightness, Giant stars, White dwarfs, Neutron stars, Pulsars, Supernovae
 
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  • #2
You may find it easiest to talk to your professor and see what knowledge they assume you have.
 
  • #3
Dishsoap said:
You may find it easiest to talk to your professor and see what knowledge they assume you have.
Sadly, the professor is out of reach at the moment.
 
  • #4
Joker93 said:
Sadly, the professor is out of reach at the moment.

Maybe talk to another professor in the department who is familiar with the class. Are there no prerequisites listed on the syllabus or "course catalog"?
 
  • #5
Dishsoap said:
Maybe talk to another professor in the department who is familiar with the class. Are there no prerequisites listed on the syllabus or "course catalog"?
Sadly no.
 
  • #6
Joker93 said:
Sadly no.

You don't even have an academic advisor or other professors to consult on this? How many faculty members are in your department? One?

Zz.
 
  • #7
Sadly, my advisor does not know at the moment because he has no way to reach the professor teaching it and he did not teach it for many years
 

1. What is the prerequisite for taking a course in General Relativity/Cosmology?

The prerequisite for taking a course in General Relativity/Cosmology at the undergraduate level is typically a strong foundation in mathematics, specifically calculus and linear algebra. Some knowledge of physics, particularly classical mechanics and electromagnetism, may also be helpful.

2. Is prior knowledge of Einstein's theory of special relativity necessary for this course?

While prior knowledge of special relativity is not always a requirement, it is highly recommended as it forms the basis for understanding general relativity. Students who are not familiar with special relativity may struggle to grasp the concepts and equations in the course.

3. How much calculus is needed for this course?

A solid understanding of calculus is crucial for understanding the mathematical concepts in general relativity and cosmology. Students should be comfortable with derivatives, integrals, and multivariable calculus, as well as have a basic understanding of differential equations.

4. Can this course be taken without any background in physics?

While a background in physics is not always required, it is highly recommended. General relativity and cosmology involve complex physical concepts and equations, so having some prior knowledge of physics will make the course more manageable.

5. Are there any recommended resources for preparing for this course?

There are many resources available for students to prepare for a course in general relativity and cosmology. Some helpful resources include textbooks such as "Introduction to General Relativity" by John Taylor and "Cosmology: The Science of the Universe" by Edward Harrison, online lectures and tutorials, and practice problems with solutions.

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