PHY312 Syllabus

The following is a list of topics I would like to cover. This list will be added to and subtracted from as we go ...

A problem with light. Conflict of Newtonian relativity principle and laws of electromagnetism. Michelson-Morley experiment.
Events, spacetime and the interval. The principle of special relativity.
Time dilation and length contraction. Twin paradox.
Lorentz transformations. A maximum speed. Addition of velocities.
Energy and momentum in relativistic physics.
Distance on a curved surface. The metric tensor. Principle of equivalence. General covariance. Ideas about field equations of General Relativity.
Schwarzschild solution. Black holes. Motion in the black hole spacetime (inside and outside). Slowing of clocks in a gravitational field.
Cosmological solutions. FRW metric. Big Bang and standard cosmology
Recent discoveries -- dark energy and dark matter.
Anything else we have time for ...

Lectures: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 am to 12:20 pm rm 106 Physics Building.

Office hours: Tuesdays rm 309 Physics 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

Prerequisites: Basic calculus (I and II) and physics (PHY211/212) essential.

Grading etc There will be a weekly homework, a midterm exam and final and a project. The project will be worth 30% of the final grade, the exams 20% each and the homeworks 30%.

Homework: The homework will be assigned weekly typically on a Thursday and it will be due the following Thursday. I expect you to hand it in on time. Doing the homework will be a large part of learning the material on this course - try it early in the week and come see me in the Tuesday office hours if you have problems or questions.

Exams: The exact date of the midterm is not fixed yet. Probably just before Spring break. Project presentations will take place the last week or so of classes. The style and nature of exams will be designed to test basic understanding of essential material.

Projects: A large part of your work in this class will be a project of your choice. The general guidelines are that it should

a) in some way demonstrate your understanding of topics covered in this course,

b) be about the same amount of work as a term paper (which I would consider to be about 10-20 pages in a reasonable type-style like this one) and

c) include references to outside sources as appropriate for that project. Projects will be graded on a combination of creativity and the understanding of course material (and outside reading) that they demonstrate. The rule of thumb should be that your project should be something that you are proud of. Each project must, however, be approved by me, so you need to discuss your project with me before you begin! You are welcome to continue to consult with me while you work on your project. Each of you need to `contract' with me for a project by end of March. It is a good idea to start thinking about your project early!!! You will be asked to give a short presentation about your project at the end of the semester. They may include use of the Web and/or programming components.

Here are some possible project suggestions.

Books: Wheeler and Taylor: Spacetime Physics. I will also hand out notes as we go along which supplement the material in the textbook. This is especially true in the second half of the semester.

Syllabus Statement Regarding Disability-Related Accommodations Students who are in need of disability-related academic accommodations must register with the Office of Disability Services (ODS), 304 University Avenue, Room 309, 315-443-4498. Students with authorized disability-related accommodations should provide a current Accommodation Authorization Letter from ODS to the instructor and review those accommodations with the instructor. Accommodations, such as exam administration, are not provided retroactively; therefore, planning for accommodations as early as possible is necessary. For further information, see the ODS website, Office of Disability Services http://disabilityservices.syr.edu/

The Syracuse University Academic Integrity Policy holds students accountable for the integrity of the work they submit. Students should be familiar with the Policy and know that it is their responsibility to learn about instructor and general academic expectations with regard to proper citation of sources in written work. The policy also governs the integrity of work submitted in exams and assignments as well as the veracity of signatures on attendance sheets and other verifications of participation in class activities. Serious sanctions can result from academic dishonesty of any sort. For more information and the complete policy, see http://academicintegrity.syr.edu