Advanced Topics in Physics: Special Relativity

About the Course

If a woman travels to a nearby star system at close to the speed of light, she will return much younger than her twin sister, who stayed home. This is just one of the discoveries revealed by Albert Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, which revolutionized physics. Perhaps the most famous equation in science, E = mc2, revealed that matter and energy are equivalent, setting the stage for atomic bombs and nuclear power plants. It showed that an object's length depends on its speed relative to an observer, that the passage of time depends on relative motion, and that an object's mass varies with speed. This course explores the problems and inadequacies of Newtonian mechanics, then shifts focus to Einstein's groundbreaking solution, the Special Theory of Relativity. Through class discussions and extensive problem solving, you'll learn about the principle of relativity and the light postulate, simultaneity, relativistic kinematic and dynamic calculations, light cones, k-calculus, and Minkowski space, and explore mathematical concepts underlying Einstein's general theory of relativity and how they can help us understand the universe.
Typical Class Size: 18-20

Learning Objectives

Solve problems using theoretical and mathematical pre-relativistic frameworks and experiments to reconcile mechanics and electromagnetism
Apply processes such as dilation, contraction, and simultaneity to produce conceptual and quantitative explanations of the implications of special relativity on the speed of light and the interrelatedness between speed, space, time, and mass
Justify the principles of special relativity by solving problems in relativistic mechanics and electromagnetism

About Advanced Enrichment courses

These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.

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Requirements

CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.

Identification Details

Grade 9–12

Identification Level

Quantitative - CTY-Level

Coursework Prerequisites

Successful completion of Physics and Successful completion of Trigonometry and Successful completion of Algebra II or Honors Algebra II

Dates and Tuition

All CTY courses require you to create an account and confirm Identification Level before enrolling can be completed.

In Person

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Residential Site

Summer A 2026

Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 10, 2026

$7,801 Residential

$6,969 Commuter

You will be asked to join or sign in first.

Register by: June 11, 2026

Full Waitlist Available

Time Commitment:

Important Information

Technical Requirements
Students must bring a tablet, laptop computer, or Chromebook for use during the session. A smartphone will not be sufficient.

Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.

Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.

Relativity: The Special and General Theory, by Albert Einstein

Summer B 2026

Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026

$7,801 Residential

$6,969 Commuter

You will be asked to join or sign in first.

Register by: July 2, 2026

Filling up fast! 3 spots left

Time Commitment:

Important Information

Technical Requirements
Students must bring a tablet, laptop computer, or Chromebook for use during the session. A smartphone will not be sufficient.

Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.

Relativity: The Special and General Theory, by Albert Einstein

Registration Fee and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.

Learn more about Financial Aid

Join Fee $55

If you are not a member of CTY yet, you are required to join before enrolling in a course.

Join CTY

In-Person registration fee $75

Non-refundable fee for in-person courses.

Online Registration Fee $15-$20

Non-refundable fee for online courses.

Science and Engineering

Conduct experiments, design projects, test your ideas, collaborate with peers, and solve problems, with guidance from your instructor every step of the way. 

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