General Relativity (PHYC90012)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject provides an advanced introduction to Einstein's theory of general relativity. Specific topics may inlcude special relativity, manifolds and curvature, experimental tests, Einstein's equations, the Schwarzschild solution and black holes, weak fields and gravitational radiation. Examples will be drawn from particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology.
Intended learning outcomes
The objectives of this subject are to:
- Introduce the theoretical framework and experimental necessity of Einstein's theory of general relativity;
- Understand the principles of general relativity and physics in curved spacetime;
- Develop tools to enable the quantitative calculation of general relativistic effects;
- Provide a foundation for more advanced studies of general relativity.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should have gained skills in:
- analysing how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations;
- applying abstract concepts to real-world situations;
- participating as an effective member of a group in discussions and collaborative assignments;
- managing time effectively in order to be prepared for group discussions and undertake the assignments and exam.
Last updated: 7 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC30016 | Electrodynamics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Or equivalent.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 7 March 2025
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Four assignments due at evenly spaced intervals in the second half of the semester, totalling to 40% (72 pages total)
| Second half of the teaching period | 40% |
4 hour written examination (open book)
| During the examination period | 60% |
Additional details
This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.
Last updated: 7 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Time commitment details
170
Additional delivery details
This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.
Last updated: 7 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Physics) Informal specialisation Physics Major Physics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 7 March 2025