Aims

A detailed description of general relativity, including the mathematical tools needed. Introduction to Einstein and Lemaitre's cosmology.

Main themes

1. Introduction : from Newton's theory of gravitation to Einstein's equivalence principle.
2. Mathematical tools : differential geometry; tensors
3. Tests of general relativity around a massive spherical object : gravitational redshift and time dilatation; precession of Mercury perihelion; light deflection; radar echo; black holes; gravitational waves.
4. Cosmology : from Einstein's static universe to Lemaitre's expanding universe.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisites: theory of restricted relativity