What is dark matter and how does it affect galaxies?

Dark matter is an invisible substance making up most of the Universe's mass. This course examines its role in forming stars and galaxies, based on current research.

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From the Big Bang to Dark Energy

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From the Big Bang to Dark Energy

Instructor: Hitoshi Murayama

109,595 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

3,678 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

96%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

3,678 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

96%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Explain cosmic origins using modern physics findings.
Understand element formation and the Higgs Boson's role.
Describe dark matter, anti-matter, and their cosmic impact.
Analyze dark energy, inflation, and Universe's future.

Skills you'll gain

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Assessments

45 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

This course explores the Universe's evolution over 13.8 billion years, from the Big Bang to dark energy. Understand the evidence behind discoveries like Dark Matter, the Higgs Boson, and the accelerating expansion driven by dark energy.

This course is for anyone curious about modern physics and cosmic mysteries. By the end, you will be able to: - Explain the Universe's origins and evolution. - Describe the roles of Dark Matter and Dark Energy. - Understand the Higgs Boson's significance in matter formation. - Discuss the Universe's possible future. No prior physics or science background is required, just a curiosity about the cosmos. This course is offered in English.

This module connects daily experiences like night and day to understanding the Universe. You will journey from Earth to the cosmos' edge, learning modern physics techniques and findings. By the end, you will explain how physics helps us understand cosmic origins. Approach this module by relating concepts to your observations.

What's included

12 videos3 readings14 assignments

12 videosTotal 95 minutes

Course Preview2 minutes
Introduction9 minutes
1-1 Night and Day, and Four Seasons10 minutes
1-2 Revolution of the Earth6 minutes
1-3 Why Elliptic?9 minutes
1-4 Why Does Everything Fall the Same Way?9 minutes
1-5 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past I14 minutes
1-6 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past II6 minutes
1-7 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past III7 minutes
1-8 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past IV9 minutes
1-9 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past V10 minutes
1-10 Cosmic Expansion6 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Course Description10 minutes
Syllabus10 minutes
About Optional Challenge Problems10 minutes

14 assignmentsTotal 420 minutes

Graded Quiz 1-130 minutes
Graded Quiz 1-230 minutes
Graded Quiz 1-330 minutes
Optional Challenge Problem 130 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-130 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-230 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-330 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-430 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-530 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-630 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-730 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-830 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-930 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-1030 minutes

You will explore the origin of chemical elements and their connection to the Higgs Boson. This module covers the particle's discovery and its significance in understanding matter. By the end, you will explain how elements formed and the Higgs Boson's role. Focus on the historical context of discoveries.

What's included

9 videos11 assignments

9 videosTotal 97 minutes

2-1 Birth of Elements I6 minutes
2-2 Birth of Elements II11 minutes
2-3 Birth of Elements III6 minutes
2-4 Birth of Elements IV10 minutes
2-5 Birth of Elements V14 minutes
2-6 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe I8 minutes
2-7 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe II14 minutes
2-8 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe III16 minutes
2-9 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe IV13 minutes

11 assignmentsTotal 330 minutes

Graded Quiz 2-130 minutes
Graded Quiz 2-230 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-130 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-230 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-330 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-430 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-530 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-630 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-730 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-830 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-930 minutes

You will learn about dark matter and anti-matter, two mysterious aspects of the Universe. This module covers dark matter's role in galaxy formation and the puzzle of matter's survival over anti-matter. By the end, you will describe the properties of dark matter and the matter-anti-matter asymmetry. Consider the implications of these cosmic mysteries.

What's included

8 videos1 reading11 assignments

8 videosTotal 83 minutes

3-1 Power Spectrum11 minutes
3-2 Dark Matter I6 minutes
3-3 Dark Matter II10 minutes
3-4 Nature of Dark Matter I10 minutes
3-5 Nature of Dark Matter II9 minutes
3-6 Neutrinos and Anti-Matter I13 minutes
3-7 Neutrinos and Anti-Matter II13 minutes
3-8 Neutrinos and Anti-Matter III10 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

About Optional Challenge Problems10 minutes

11 assignmentsTotal 330 minutes

Graded Quiz 3-130 minutes
Graded Quiz 3-230 minutes
Optional Challenge Problem 230 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-130 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-230 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-330 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-430 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-530 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-630 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-730 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-830 minutes

You will learn about cosmic inflation, dark energy, and the Universe's possible fates. This module covers the early exponential expansion and the current accelerating expansion driven by dark energy. By the end, you will explain inflation, dark energy's effects, and predict cosmic futures. Focus on the evidence supporting these theories.

What's included

17 videos1 reading9 assignments

17 videosTotal 216 minutes

4-1 Inflation and Uncertainty Principle I (Inflation)15 minutes
4-2 Inflation and Uncertainty Principle II (Uncertainty Principle I )12 minutes
4-3 Inflation and Uncertainty Principle III (Uncertainty Principle II )10 minutes
4-4 Fate of the Universe6 minutes
4-5 Dark Energy9 minutes
4-6 Big Rip7 minutes
4-7 Future Observations12 minutes
4-8 Wrap-up6 minutes
Extra Lecture 1 Theoretical Discovery of Higgs Boson9 minutes
Extra Lecture 2-1 Discovery of Neutrino Oscillations and Neutrino Mass I13 minutes
Extra Lecture 2-2 Discovery of Neutrino Oscillations and Neutrino Mass II12 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-1 Discovery of Gravitational Waves I8 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-2 Discovery of Gravitational Waves II12 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-3 Discovery of Gravitational Waves III11 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-4 Discovery of Gravitational Waves IV5 minutes
Extra Lecture 4-1 Theoretical Foundation of Black Hole34 minutes
Extra Lecture 4-2 Observational Evidence of Black Hole36 minutes

1 readingTotal 1 minute

Introduction1 minute

9 assignmentsTotal 270 minutes

Graded Quiz 4-130 minutes
Graded Quiz 4-230 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-130 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-230 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-330 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-430 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-530 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-630 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-730 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(868 ratings)

Hitoshi Murayama

The University of Tokyo

1 Course109,595 learners

Offered by

The University of Tokyo

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Reviewed on Aug 5, 2023

A very fun yet educational course. I love the layout were you watch 1 short video and then take a short quiz. Personally, it helped keep my attention and overall help me in learning this subject.

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2020

Although at the start the teacher said that maths won't be a problem, there are some problems (not the Honor ones) that involve math and chemistry for no reason. Beside that, it's a very good course.

Reviewed on May 24, 2017

Engaging whirlwind tour of some big questions in cosmology and high-energy physics. The instructor's wry humor adds a special twist to an informative summary of the state of play as of 2015 or so,

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Frequently asked questions

Dark energy is a mysterious force causing the Universe's accelerating expansion. This course explains its evidence and impact on cosmic evolution.

The Big Bang theory describes the Universe's origin. This course covers the scientific findings and physics techniques that support this understanding.

The Higgs Boson is a fundamental particle that gives other particles mass. Its discovery is crucial for understanding the birth of elements and the structure of matter in science.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.