Instructor: Alan Weinstein

Lectures: Tu 2:10-3:30 pm, Room 939 Evans

Course Control Number: 54405

Office: 825 Evans, e-mail: alanw@math.berkeley.edu

Office Hours: TBA

Prerequisites: Math 1A or equivalent

Required Text: Sander Bais, Very Special Relativity (Harvard U. Press)

Syllabus: This seminar will meet the first week of classes and nine more dates to be arranged. We will look at some of the mathematical ideas, particularly the geometric ideas, behind Einstein's special and general theories of relativity. Topics will include the linear algebra and geometry of Lorentz transformations in flat space time (for special relativity) and an introduction to riemannian geometry (for general relativity). The seminar activities will be a mix of reading, discussion, and presentations by students and the instructor. Students should have had Math 1A or the equivalent. Further background in calculus and/or linear algebra is helpful but not essential. The math that will be taught in the seminar will give students a head start (or a review) for more advanced courses.