F4051 Physics in spacetime

Faculty of Science
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
2/1/0. 2 credit(s) (fasci plus compl plus > 4). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
doc. Jörgen Linus Wulff, M.Sc., Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. Jörgen Linus Wulff, M.Sc., Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
doc. Jörgen Linus Wulff, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: doc. Jörgen Linus Wulff, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Mon 16. 2. to Fri 22. 5. Thu 10:00–11:50 Fs1 6/1017
  • Timetable of Seminar Groups:
F4051/01: Mon 16. 2. to Fri 22. 5. Thu 12:00–12:50 Fs1 6/1017, J. Wulff
Prerequisites
Basic course in linear algebra and analysis.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
The student should become familiar with the mathematical formalism of special relativity from a spacetime perspective and be able to apply it to relevant physical problems in particle physics and electrodynamics.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the structure of special relativity from the principle of maximum proper time
- Understand causality and Lorentz transformations via spacetime diagrams
- Use these ideas to solve problems in particle kinematics and electrodynamics
Key topics
  • - Measuring time; clocks; principle of maximum proper time
  • - Spacetime; spacetime diagrams; 4-velocity
  • - Simultaneity; causality; time dilation; length contraction;
  • - Lorentz transformations; Lorentz group
  • - 4-momentum; particle kinematics; massless particles; collisions; particle production
Study resources and literature
    recommended literature
  • Jackson, J. D. : Classical Electrodynamics (International Adaptation, 3rd ed.). Wiley, 2021. ISBN 978-1-119-77076-3
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
Lectures + Exercises
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
Oral + Homework problems
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025, Spring 2027.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/spring2026/F4051