Math 651B Spring 2005:
Mathematics of Relativity and
Gravitation
The course will begin with and move rapidly through the special theory
of relativity, a theory that explains how time and space measurements
depend on an observer's inertial frame of reference. The main
mathematical ingredient for this part of the course will be linear
algebra, and the focus will be on Lorentz transformations, hyperbolic
rotations, and Minkowski geometry. Following that we will slow
down a bit and develop the rudiments of differential geometry needed
for an introduction to general relativity, and then proceed to general
relativity itself. General relativity is a theory of gravity. It
explains gravity in terms of the geometry of spacetime. The
unifying theme will be geometry in the context of both flat and curved
spacetimes.
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Klein
OFFICE:
Faculty Office Building 127 Phone:
677-7792
email: david.klein@csun.edu
web page: www.csun.edu/~vcmth00m
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday & Wednesday 11: 30 to 12: 30 and by appointment
TEXTBOOK: The Geometry of Spacetime: An Introduction
to Special and General Relativity, by James J. Callahan,
Springer-Verlag Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics, copyright 2000,
ISBN 0-387-98641-3 Corrected second printing 2001. Note:
Corrections to the textbook are available from:
http://www.math.smith.edu/~callahan/spacetime/errata/errata.html
This pdf file contains a more updated set of corrections:
http://maven.smith.edu/~callahan/spacetime/errata.pdf
GRADING: Grades will be
based on homework and a final exam, with each contributing 50% to the
final grade for the course. Students may collaborate on homework
problems, but each student is expected to understand everything s/he
turns in. The final exam will be based on homework assignments
and other material from the textbook and lectures. Plus
grades (+) and minus grades (–) will be assigned for this course.
COVERAGE: As much of the
textbook as time permits.
INTERNET RESOURCE: Relativity on the
World Wide Web
Mike's Message Board: http://651b.proboards40.com/index.cgi