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Back to Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity by Stanford University

4.9
stars
2,248 ratings
•
771 reviews

About the Course

In this course we will seek to “understand Einstein,” especially focusing on the special theory of relativity that Albert Einstein, as a twenty-six year old patent clerk, introduced in his “miracle year” of 1905. Our goal will be to go behind the myth-making and beyond the popularized presentations of relativity in order to gain a deeper understanding of both Einstein the person and the concepts, predictions, and strange paradoxes of his theory. Some of the questions we will address include: How did Einstein come up with his ideas? What was the nature of his genius? What is the meaning of relativity? What’s “special” about the special theory of relativity? Why did the theory initially seem to be dead on arrival? What does it mean to say that time is the “fourth dimension”? Can time actually run more slowly for one person than another, and the size of things change depending on their velocity? Is time travel possible, and if so, how? Why can’t things travel faster than the speed of light? Is it possible to travel to the center of the galaxy and return in one lifetime? Is there any evidence that definitively confirms the theory, or is it mainly speculation? Why didn’t Einstein win the Nobel Prize for the theory of relativity? About the instructor: Dr. Larry Lagerstrom is the Director of Academic Programs at Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development, which offers graduate certificates in subjects such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, data mining, nanotechnology, innovation, and management science. He holds degrees in physics, mathematics, and the history of science, has published a book and a TED Ed video on "Young Einstein: From the Doxerl Affair to the Miracle Year," and has had over 30,000 students worldwide enroll in his online course on the special theory of relativity (this course!)....

Top reviews

BH
Jun 22, 2017

This course is very comprehensive and well prepared material for understanding the Special Theory of Relativity. Larry (the instructor) is very expert and has broad knowledge in explaining the course.

AP
Aug 11, 2020

It was wonderful experience to know the special theory of relativity from Larry, who has presented the course in very simple way to understand. Thanks a lot to Larry for providing such a good session.

Filter by:

601 - 625 of 757 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By mahatheswaran

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Jul 7, 2017

Awesome course learnt a lot from my Guru

By Amv s

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Nov 23, 2020

i like how he has simplified the things

By Luke M

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Jul 15, 2020

My first coursera course, I enjoyed it.

By Christopher D

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Aug 30, 2017

Amazing, anyone should take that course

By Chow K M

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Dec 19, 2020

Enjoyed the easy to understand lecture

By Ashwat J

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May 4, 2020

Wonderful presentation. Learned a ton!

By Wayne C L

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Sep 6, 2018

It was a lot of fun to learn all this!

By Nathalie V

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Jun 18, 2017

Very interesting, very well explained.

By Fernando A P S

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Apr 1, 2017

Perfectly explained. Love the teacher.

By Mehlam F

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Jul 15, 2020

Great professor and in depth teaching

By Pavithra S

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Jun 20, 2020

A fantastic course for science minds

By Omar R O R

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Apr 17, 2020

It is clear, precise, and enjoyable.

By Cuautzin A H D

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Jun 11, 2020

Excelente curso, muy bien explicado

By Bhavya V

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Oct 2, 2018

Awesome Course worth spending time.

By Santos C

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Sep 10, 2017

This was a great course, thank you!

By Mitank D

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May 25, 2017

Really this is a fantastic course.

By Igor P

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May 21, 2017

Very interesting and all is clear.

By Carlos S

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Sep 11, 2020

Excellent course, vey interesting

By Harish R

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Jul 16, 2020

Very good course! Learned a lot!!

By Ashwin N

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Jul 4, 2020

perfect course for all physicists

By Anabela Z

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Jun 22, 2020

A wonderful course and professor!

By Apostolos C

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Nov 12, 2016

Excellent, "accessible" lectures.

By Ali C g

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May 23, 2017

it is a great course. Thank you!

By yiyi y

•
Oct 4, 2016

Great course, awesome instructor

By Marcel W

•
Mar 9, 2018

Great Intro to Einsteins ideas.

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