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
Show info about module content
12 videos•Total 95 minutes
Course Preview•2 minutes
Introduction•9 minutes
1-1 Night and Day, and Four Seasons•10 minutes
1-2 Revolution of the Earth•6 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 I•14 minutes
1-6 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past II•6 minutes
1-7 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past III•7 minutes
1-8 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past IV•9 minutes
1-9 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past V•10 minutes
1-10 Cosmic Expansion•6 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Course Description•10 minutes
Syllabus•10 minutes
About Optional Challenge Problems•10 minutes
14 assignments•Total 420 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-1•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-2•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-3•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-4•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-5•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-6•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-7•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-8•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-9•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-10•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 1-1•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 1-2•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 1-3•30 minutes
Optional Challenge Problem 1•30 minutes
Birth of Elements and Higgs Boson
Module 2•7 hours to complete
Module details
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
Show info about module content
9 videos•Total 97 minutes
2-1 Birth of Elements I•6 minutes
2-2 Birth of Elements II•11 minutes
2-3 Birth of Elements III•6 minutes
2-4 Birth of Elements IV•10 minutes
2-5 Birth of Elements V•14 minutes
2-6 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe I•8 minutes
2-7 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe II•14 minutes
2-8 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe III•16 minutes
2-9 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe IV•13 minutes
11 assignments•Total 330 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-1•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-2•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-3•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-4•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-5•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-6•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-7•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-8•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-9•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 2-1•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 2-2•30 minutes
Dark Matter and Anti-Matter
Module 3•7 hours to complete
Module details
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
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 83 minutes
3-1 Power Spectrum•11 minutes
3-2 Dark Matter I•6 minutes
3-3 Dark Matter II•10 minutes
3-4 Nature of Dark Matter I•10 minutes
3-5 Nature of Dark Matter II•9 minutes
3-6 Neutrinos and Anti-Matter I•13 minutes
3-7 Neutrinos and Anti-Matter II•13 minutes
3-8 Neutrinos and Anti-Matter III•10 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
About Optional Challenge Problems•10 minutes
11 assignments•Total 330 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-1•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-2•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-3•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-4•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-5•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-6•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-7•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-8•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 3-1•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 3-2•30 minutes
Optional Challenge Problem 2•30 minutes
Inflation and Dark Energy
Module 4•8 hours to complete
Module details
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
Show info about module content
17 videos•Total 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 Universe•6 minutes
4-5 Dark Energy•9 minutes
4-6 Big Rip•7 minutes
4-7 Future Observations•12 minutes
4-8 Wrap-up•6 minutes
Extra Lecture 1 Theoretical Discovery of Higgs Boson•9 minutes
Extra Lecture 2-1 Discovery of Neutrino Oscillations and Neutrino Mass I•13 minutes
Extra Lecture 2-2 Discovery of Neutrino Oscillations and Neutrino Mass II•12 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-1 Discovery of Gravitational Waves I•8 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-2 Discovery of Gravitational Waves II•12 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-3 Discovery of Gravitational Waves III•11 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-4 Discovery of Gravitational Waves IV•5 minutes
Extra Lecture 4-1 Theoretical Foundation of Black Hole•34 minutes
Extra Lecture 4-2 Observational Evidence of Black Hole•36 minutes
1 reading•Total 1 minute
Introduction•1 minute
9 assignments•Total 270 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-1•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-2•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-3•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-4•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-5•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-6•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-7•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 4-1•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 4-2•30 minutes
Instructor
Instructor ratings
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
The University of Tokyo was established in 1877 as the first national university in Japan. As a leading research university, UTokyo offers courses in essentially all academic disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels and conducts research across the full spectrum of academic activity.
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BB
5·
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.
A
AM
5·
Reviewed on May 5, 2017
Very interesting course. Big part of course I had learned individually, by Internet publications, but some new information I found in this course. Thank You very much for this great job!!!
K
KK
5·
Reviewed on Apr 30, 2020
this course was very informative, i gained knowledge of various topics which were unknown to me. and this kept my interest going. thank you for this wonderful course it was really an eye opener
Dark energy is a mysterious force causing the Universe's accelerating expansion. This course explains its evidence and impact on cosmic evolution.
How did the Big Bang theory originate in physics?
The Big Bang theory describes the Universe's origin. This course covers the scientific findings and physics techniques that support this understanding.
What is the Higgs Boson and why is it important for science?
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.
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.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.