MAS413   Analytical Dynamics and Classical Field Theory   (20 credits)

Description

Newton formulated his famous laws of mechanics in the late 17th century. Later, mathematicians like Lagrange, Hamilton and Jacobi discovered that underlying Newton's work are wonderful mathematical structures. In the first semester we discuss this work, its influence on the subsequent formulation of field theory, and Noethers theorem relating symmetries and conservation laws. In the second semester, Einsteins theory of gravity, General Relativity, will be introduced, preceded by mathematical tools such as covariant derivatives and curvature tensors. Einstein's field equations, and two famous solutions, will be derived. Two classic experimental tests of General Relativity will be discussed.

Reading List