General Relativity
General Relativity is Einstein's theory of gravity. Here he shows that gravity should not be described as a force, as in Newton's theory, but as a consequence of spacetime curvature. This course is about this remarkable discovery.
The course begins by introducing the basic ideas behind the theory, such as the equivalence principle, how to describe curved spaces in terms of a metric, and the importance of special relativity as a locally valid theory. These insights are then used to study the Schwarzschild spacetime – the spacetime outside a spherically symmetric mass distribution, such as a planet, star or black hole. Thereafter we move on to the more mathematical parts of the theory, introducing tensors, the concept of parallel transport, the covariant derivative and the Riemann curvature tensor. After a discussion of the stress energy tensor we are then able to write down Einstein's equation, describing the connection between spacetime curvature and matter. In the last part of the course we discuss some important consequences of the theory, such as black holes, cosmology and gravitational waves.
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department
Everyone admitted to a course in Physics will receive a welcome letter with important information from us via e-mail. If you have not receive an e-mail by mid-January, please contact our Academic advisor! Unfold and read more.
Roll-call
Courses at the Department of Physics do not have a roll-call. Instead the course starts with the first lecture.
Registration
After being admitted to a course, you must register to confirm that you are starting your studies. For most of our courses this can be done online using your university account. Registration normally opens two weeks before the course starts and you must have registered at the latest one week after. If you have any problems with registration, contact our Student office. Contact details can be found below.
Click here to register online.
Learning platform
Most of the courses in physics use the Athena learning platform. Once registered, the course should appear automatically in Athena. If you cannot find the course, contact the course coordinator. If the course uses a different website, you can find the link further down on this web page.
Conditionally admitted
If you are conditionally admitted to a course at our department you need to contact our Academic advisor before you can register. Contact us as soon as possible, well before the course starts. Contact details are found further down on this web page.
Applicants on waiting list
Are you placed on a waiting list to any of our courses? You will always be contacted via e-mail if you are offered a place. Normaly we will not admit new students if more than 1 week has passed after the first lecture.
Find the Departmend of Physics
Most of the physics courses are held in the AlbaNova building, located between the Frescati campus and the Royal Institute of Technology (Tekniska högskolan, KTH). Courses in medical radiation physics are sometimes held at Campus Karolinska Hospital. A few of our physics courses are also given in collaboration with KTH or other departments. If this is the case it is clearly stated further down on this web page.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
The course begins by introducing the basic ideas behind the theory, such as the equivalence principle, how to describe curved spaces in terms of a metric, and the importance of special relativity as a locally valid theory. These insights are then used to study the Schwarzschild spacetime – the spacetime outside a spherically symmetric mass distribution, such as a planet, star or black hole. Thereafter we move on to the more mathematical parts of the theory, introducing tensors, the concept of parallel transport, the covariant derivative and the Riemann curvature tensor. After a discussion of the stress energy tensor we are then able to write down Einstein's equation, describing the connection between spacetime curvature and matter. In the last part of the course we discuss some important consequences of the theory, such as black holes, cosmology and gravitational waves.
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Course structure
This is an advanced level course given in half pace during daytime. It is recommended (but not mandatory) for the Master's programme in theoretical physics.
Teaching format
The teaching consists of lectures, problem solving sessions and assignments with feedback.
Assessment
The examination consists of a written part and an oral part.
Examiner
Sören Holst
Phone: +468 5537 8740
E-mail: holst@fysik.su.se
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
James B. Hartle: Gravity - an Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity (Addison Wesley 2003, ISBN: 0-8053-8662-9 or Cambridge University Press 2021, ISBN 9781316517543)
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Course reports
Här ligger ett skript.
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Contact
Course coordinator and teacher:
Sören Holst, phone: +468 5537 8740, e-mail: holst@fysik.su.seTutorials:
Joakim Flinckman, e-mail: joakim.flinckman@fysik.su.seAcademic advisor at the Department of Physics: studievagledare@fysik.su.se
Student office: studentexp@fysik.su.se
