Introduction to the physics of gravitation and spacetime, with an emphasis on cosmological applications. Special relativity, tensor calculus, and relativistic electrodynamics. General relativity with selected applications of Einstein's field equations (gravitational time dilation; gravitational lensing; frame dragging; gravitational radiation). The physics of nonrotating and rotating black holes. Relativistic models for the large-scale structure of the Universe. Observational constraints on the cosmological parameters. Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the Cosmic Background Radiation, and structure formation. Cosmic inflation.

Intermediate mechanics (PHYS-2330) or permission of the instructor. Prerequisites will be waived for anyone with a sound background in mechanics, electrodynamics and differential equations.