PHY-30035 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

One of the triumphs of 20th century physics was Einstein's geometric theory of gravity, that extended Special Relativity by introducing the concept that spacetime could be curved by mass and energy. This "General Relativity"; provides today's most accurate theory for gravitation, that predicts and explains some of the most exotic phenomena seen in the universe. In this module students will receive a grounding in General Relativity and learn how it can be applied, both analytically and computationally, to systems as diverse as the motion of planets in our own solar system to objects orbiting around black holes. Students will also learn how General Relativity predicts the generation and propagation of gravitational waves from various astrophysical sources and how these waves can be detected and interpreted using gravitational wave detectors, whose design and sensitivity will be studied. The module will engage with topics that are at the very forefront of contemporary physics and astrophysics research and throughout there will be an emphasis on making connections with material met at levels 4 and 5.

The module aims to present the theory of General Relativity in the context of solar system, stellar and black hole astrophysics, a level of mathematical complexity appropriate for level 6 Physics/Astrophysics students. Students will have the opportunity to apply the theory of General Relativity to examples within these arenas and to develop and practise analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills. Students will also apply General Relativity as a tool for understanding the generation of gravitational waves and will study the techniques used for their detection making synoptic links to previously studied (at levels 4 and 5) modules in Optics, Waves, Mechanics and computer programming. Throughout, there will be an emphasis on the forefront nature of these topics by making use of, and choosing examples from, the very latest research in the fields of gravitational wave detection and black hole astrophysics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

apply the theory of General Relativity to solve problems in solar system, stellar and black hole astrophysics, identifying the appropriate analytical or numerical tools; quantitatively assess when a General Relativistic, rather than Newtonian approach is required: 1,2
describe and explain the main planks of evidence for General Relativity and for the existence of black holes: 1,2
use General Relativity to explain the existence, propagation and generation of gravitational waves and to solve problems relating to gravitational wave sources using appropriate analytical and numerical techniques: 1,2
explain the physical nature and purpose of the design and main components of gravitational wave detectors and quantitatively describe the factors that influence detector design and sensitivity: 1,2
engage with, and assimilate knowledge from, original research material and the primary literature: 2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
Class room sessions 22 hours
Tutorial 11 hours

Independent Study Hours
Problem sheet preparation 42.5 hours
Private study 72 hours
Examination 2.5 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment