Course Description

The Special Theory of Relativity, laid down by Einstein in 1905, is a milestone in modern physics. It uses ideas coming from Electromagnetism in order to correct and generalize Newton's Mechanics. It has far reaching consequences for physics, from the realization that space and time are a one and single unit until the famous equation $E = m\, c^2$! This equation is the basis for the conversion between energy and mass. Special Relativity is a very counter intuitive theory and presents us with a few paradoxes that arise due to its radical new view of the world. Among other things, Special Relativity rules out the existence of a ``perfect solid'', tells us that space contracts and that time dilates, depending on how fast one moves. Along with the introduction of Special Relativity, the students will get in touch with a very useful mathematical tool: Differential Forms. Under this new mathematical framework, physics is much simplified and its interpretation gets easier.

This course has the purpose of walking the student through the Special Theory of Relativity.

The classes will be varied, including expository, group discussions, presentations by the students, and exercise solving. The evaluation will be done based on the class participation and on seminars given by the students on selected topics.

The student willing to try this course should have a working knowledge of algebra and calculus. Everything else will be taught and built from the course.