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Gr
Hi there,
As you know the Special Theory of Relativity is fairly easy to explain with elementary algebra. However, the General Theory of Relativity is not the case, and so in the first module "OUR UNIVERSE - An Introduction," simply concepts of GR are provided, while in "OUR UNIVERSE - In Depth," general concepts in differential geometry are described, but we don't go into tensor calculus, but instead - as is the case in cosmology today - we generalize to a flat space-time with the Robertson–Walker metric.
However, as there is nothing like this available on the central coast, I've been asked to consider adding a third module, "OUR UNIVERSE - Advanced" - which is currently not scheduled. This module would evaluate the Tensors and also look in more detail at both the de Sitter and Friedman solutions. I really hope this course runs one day, but as I told the college administrator, the environment would have to be in a university setting as most people would need the maths skills to follow the course. Alas, its unlikely such a module would run, unless I am very surprised.
I would dearly love to teach such a module as my passion apart from cosmology is the General theory of Relativity - but I may have wait until I have my PhD and find a suitable place for it.
But thanks for asking...
I see by your avatar you are a maths fan. Its good so see I am not alone :-)
Warmest Regards
Estelle
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