Module: Advanced GR 1: Gravitational Waves

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced GR 1: Gravitational Waves
Module Code	MTH1005 (ITS: MS539)
Faculty	Mathematical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module develops the physics of gravitational waves in general relativity, from their generation and propagation to their observable consequences.

Learning Outcomes

1. Predict gravitational waveforms in novel physical systems using the quadrupole formula and identify when such results are reliable.
2. Predict the physical effects of gravitational waves in novel situations, using this to analyze and propose potential detection strategies.
3. Compute and contrast the effects of different background geometries on the propagation of gravitational waves.
4. Translate between exact, linearized, and high-frequency models of gravitational waves, identifying their limitations and applying them to make predictions about novel physical systems.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Tutorial	12	No Description
Independent Study	89	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20045	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Abraham Harte	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Homework problems	5%	Week 5
Assignment	Homework problems	5%	Week 12
Written Exam	In-class exam	10%	Week 9
Formal Examination	n/a	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Gravitational waves as linear perturbations
Linearized Einstein equation in flat and curved backgrounds, TT gauge, quadrupole formula, Green functions and tails

Geometric optics for gravitational waves
High-frequency limits as tools to convert PDEs to ODEs, separating gravitational waves and backgrounds, effective stress-energy tensors

Exact models for gravitational waves
Exact plane wave solutions, relation with TT-gauge perturbation theory, features not captured by linearized theory, wave-wave interaction

Gravitational wave observables
Connection with geodesic deviation, effects on pulsar timing, interferometers, and star positions, memory effects

Gravitational wave sources and their detection
Sources, frequency bands, implications for detection. Ground and space-based gravitational wave detectors.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

KS Thorne and RD Blandford: 0, Modern classical physics,
M Maggiore: 0, Gravitational waves volume I,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None