The discussion centers on the teaching of General Relativity (GR) at the undergraduate level, questioning why it is not offered as a standalone course despite its significance. Participants note that GR is typically introduced in introductory modern physics classes, but many believe it should follow classical mechanics and electrodynamics, ideally before quantum mechanics. The prerequisites for GR courses vary, with some institutions allowing enrollment after completing advanced classical mechanics and relevant math courses. Experiences shared indicate that GR does not require prior knowledge of quantum mechanics, and some students find GR to be less mathematically intense compared to other upper-level physics courses. A recent AAPT Topical Conference focused on the challenges and methodologies of teaching GR to undergraduates, highlighting ongoing discussions in the academic community about its curriculum placement and pedagogical approaches.
