Modern General Relativity

Mike Guidry is Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His current research is focused on the development of new algorithms to solve large sets of differential equations, and applications of Lie algebras to strongly-correlated electronic systems. He has written five textbooks and authored more than 120 journal publications on a broad variety of topics. He previously held the role of Lead Technology Developer for several major college textbooks in introductory physics, astronomy, biology, genetics, and microbiology. He has won multiple teaching awards and is responsible for a variety of important science outreach initiatives.

Part I. General Relativity: 1. Introduction; 2. Coordinate systems and transformations; 3. Tensors and covariance; 4. Lorentz covariance and special relativity; 5. Lorentz-invariant dynamics; 6. The principle of equivalence; 7. Curved spacetime and general covariance; 8. The general theory of relativity; 9. The Schwarzschild spacetime; 10. Neutron stars and pulsars; Part II. Black Holes: 11. Spherical black holes; 12. Quantum black holes; 13. Rotating black holes; 14. Observational evidence for black holes; 15. Black holes as central engines; Part III. Cosmology: 16. The Hubble expansion; 17. Energy and matter in the Universe; 18. Friedmann cosmologies; 19. Evolution of the Universe; 20. The Big Bang; 21. Extending classical Big Bang theory; Part IV. Gravitational Wave Astronomy: 22. Gravitational waves; 23. Weak sources of gravitational waves; 24. Strong sources of gravitational waves; Part V. General Relativity and Beyond: 25. Tests of general relativity; 26. Beyond standard models.