Unit 1: Introduction

Students begin by exploring the concept of reference frames and how motion depends on the observer. They distinguish between inertial and non-inertial frames, examine Galilean transformations, and develop an understanding of classical relativity before discovering why these ideas break down at speeds approaching the speed of light.

Topics include:

  • Reference Frames
  • Inertial vs. Non-Inertial Frames
  • Galilean Transformations
  • Classical Relativity
  • Real-World Applications of Reference Frames

Unit 2: Foundations of Special Relativity

Students are introduced to Einstein's revolutionary postulates and investigate their surprising consequences. They explore time dilation, length contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity, while examining the experimental evidence that confirms these remarkable predictions.

Topics include:

  • Einstein's Postulates
  • Time Dilation
  • Length Contraction
  • Relativity of Simultaneity
  • Experimental Evidence

Unit 3: Lorentz Transformations

Students develop the mathematical framework of Special Relativity through the Lorentz transformations. They learn how space and time coordinates transform between moving reference frames, investigate relativistic velocity addition, and discover how these transformations preserve the speed of light and the laws of physics.

Topics include:

Unit 4: Space-Time and Minkowski Diagrams

Students move beyond separate concepts of space and time to study the unified concept of space-time. Using Minkowski diagrams, they visualize relativistic events, analyze worldlines and light cones, and develop a deeper understanding of causality and invariant space-time intervals.

Topics include:

  • Concept of Space-Time
  • Minkowski Diagrams
  • Space-Time Intervals
  • Light Cones and Causality
  • Applications of Space-Time

Unit 5: Applications and Implications of Special Relativity

Students investigate the far-reaching consequences of Special Relativity in science and technology. They study Einstein's mass-energy equivalence, relativistic momentum and energy, explore high-speed space travel, and examine how relativity has transformed fields ranging from particle physics to satellite navigation.

Topics include:

  • Energy-Mass Equivalence
  • Relativistic Momentum
  • Energy in Relativity
  • High-Speed Travel and Relativity
  • Broader Implications of Relativity

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain the concept of reference frames and describe motion from different observers' perspectives.
  • Distinguish between classical and relativistic descriptions of motion.
  • Apply Einstein's postulates to explain time dilation, length contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity.
  • Use Lorentz transformations to relate measurements made in different inertial reference frames.
  • Calculate relativistic quantities including time intervals, lengths, velocities, momentum, and energy.
  • Interpret and construct Minkowski space-time diagrams to analyze relativistic events.
  • Explain the concepts of space-time, invariant intervals, and causality.
  • Apply the principle of mass-energy equivalence to physical situations.
  • Evaluate experimental evidence supporting Special Relativity and describe its role in modern physics.
  • Appreciate how Special Relativity has transformed our understanding of space, time, energy, and the universe while providing the foundation for advanced studies in General Relativity, quantum field theory, cosmology, and particle physics.
 
 
 
Last modified: Thursday, 23 July 2026, 2:06 PM