Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PHYS 313 D100

Special Relativity (3)

Class Number: 6146

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 13, 2026
    Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Mar 20, 2026
    Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 121 or 126 or 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B); MATH 232 or 240; both with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed presentation of Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity and how it revolutionized physics. Topics covered include: constancy of the speed of light, Lorentz transformations, time dilation, length contraction, relativistic paradoxes, space-time diagrams, relativistic particle kinematics and dynamics, electromagnetism as a relativistic phenomenon, and an introduction to general relativity. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE OUTLINE (approximate):

Section 1: Galilean relativity.
         Introduction; ideas of space and time; Galilean transformation

Section 2: Special relativity.
         Lorentz transformation; length contraction; time dilation, spacetime diagrams

Section 3: Experimental tests of special relativity.
         Muon decay; Michelson-Morley experiment, red-shift, Fizeau

Section 4: Relativistic kinematics.
         Velocity and acceleration; relativistic Doppler effect; stellar aberration

Section 5: Relativistic particle dynamics.
Relativistic-vectors; energy and momenta; dynamics; relativistic scattering; forces and acceleration, the Rindler spacetime, particle accelerators.

Section 6: Electromagnetism as a relativistic phenomenon.
        Relativistic relationship between electricity and magnetism.

Section 7: Other topics time permitting.
                Optional topics depending on student and instructor interest as time permits.

Grading

  • Assignments 15%
  • Midterms 50%
  • Final Exam 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:

  • Introduction to Special Relativity by Robert Resnick
  • Special Relativity by Thomas Helliwell


Recommended textbooks:

  • Special Relativity, 1st edition by Anthony Philip French (recommended) 
  • Special Relativity for Beginners: A textbook for Undergraduates, by Jurgen Freund (recommended) 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.