EP 207 Introduction to Special Theory of Relativity (Autumn 2018-19)

Instructor: Prof. Raghunath Chelakkot

Course Name: Introduction to Special Theory of Relativity ( EP 207 )

Course Type: Theory (Core)

Credits: 3

Pre-requisites: Informal - MA106 and PH108 (Maxwell's equations)

Course Content: 

Kinematics:
Basic Postulates of STR (Principle of Relativity)
Time-intervals, length-intervals, Simultaneity of events (Invariant Intervals)
Lorentz transformation and invariance (Minkowski spacetime)

Mechanics: (Relativistic Dynamics)
Addition of relativistic velocities
Energy-momentum 4-vector 
Conservation of energy and momentum
Mass-energy equivalence

Electromagnetism:
Basics of tensor analysis
Field Tensor
Covariant description of Electromagnetism

Books:

introduction to special relativity by Robert Resnick

Lectures:

No attendance is taken during this course except for the first lecture. Sir uses blackboard to teach. There were discussions about paradoxes in classes but were often left incomplete. To get a complete grasp of the subject, it is important that you read the reference book alongside. Just following the lectures can get confusing and boring after a while. Sir rushes through the concept of tensors very quickly so that is covered very poorly. 

Assignments:

There were tutorials (ungraded) discussed in the class. No separate assignments. Although extra reading was suggested, it was not part of the course.

Exams and Grading:

 A quiz (15 marks) and Endsem (30 marks) was taken for the course. The grading policy of the class was liberal. 

Online Useful Material:
Spacetime Physics: Introduction to special relativity 
A short introduction to tensors by R. A. Sharipov (https://arxiv.org/pdf/math/0403252.pdf)

Advanced Follow up Courses:
PH544: General Theory of Relativity, QM3 (relativistic Quantum Mechanics). It is also a pre requisite for other advanced courses such as Quantum Field Theory.

Pro-Tips:

The lectures are often slow and easy to follow. The discussions in class,  including the tutorial may seem easy, especially if you are clear with the postulates. This often leads to a laid back approach and can end up in confusion right before the exams when you try to solve the questions.  

Personal Comments:
The prof. may change and the review is heavily dependant on Prof. Raghnath Chelakkot's teaching. 

Respondent: Ajinkya Werulkar