The Science of Well-Being

About this Course

2,157,774 recent views

In this course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. As preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life.
THE SCIENCE OF WELL BEING WAS PRODUCED IN PART DUE TO THE GENEROUS FUNDING OF THE DAVID F. SWENSEN FUND FOR INNOVATION IN TEACHING.

Learner Career Outcomes

14%

started a new career after completing these courses

15%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Approx. 19 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Ukrainian, Portuguese (European), Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish, Persian

Skills you will gain

GratitudeHappinessMeditationSavoring

Learner Career Outcomes

14%

started a new career after completing these courses

15%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Approx. 19 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Ukrainian, Portuguese (European), Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish, Persian

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.92/5 (11,583 Ratings)

Laurie Santos
Top Instructor

Professor

Psychology

3,565,141 Learners

1 Course

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating97%(342,474 ratings)

Week

1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Introduction

Why take this course?

2 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 13 min), 9 readings

4 videos

Start a New Journey!36s

Become Happier by Learning & Applying Psychological Science4m

Why This Course Exists3m

What is the G.I. Joe Fallacy?4m

9 readings

Welcome Letter from Professor Santos5m

Boosting well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic10m

Course Requirements10m

Course Rewirements5m

Rewirement Tracking10m

Measure Your Happiness and Discover Your Strengths10m

Optional Pre-Course Survey10m

References & Notes10m

Ways to Learn More10m

Week

2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Misconceptions About Happiness

What do we think will make us happy?

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 63 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week

3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Why Our Expectations are so Bad

Why do we mispredict what makes us happy?

2 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 64 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week

4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

How Can We Overcome Our Biases

How we counteract our annoying features of the mind?

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 73 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week

5

Week 5

3 hours to complete

Stuff that Really Makes Us Happy

What can we do to improve our happiness?

3 hours to complete

11 videos (Total 145 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week

6

Week 6

2 hours to complete

Putting Strategies into Practice

How can we intentionally put these strategies into practice and build healthier habits?

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 69 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week

7

Week 7

1 hour to complete

Start Your Final Rewirement Challenge

What rewirement will you commit to for the next 4 weeks?

1 hour to complete

1 video (Total 1 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

Week

8

Week 8

1 hour to complete

Continue Your Rewirement Challenge

How can you rely on others to help you change your behaviors?

1 hour to complete

1 video (Total 1 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Week

9

Week 9

1 hour to complete

Continue Your Rewirement Challenge

How can you design your environment to help you change your behaviors?

1 hour to complete

1 video (Total 1 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Week

10

Week 10

2 hours to complete

Submit Your Final Assignment

What mindset can you have to appreciate your progress so far and continue your progress beyond the course?

2 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 23 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz

Reviews

4.9

10668 reviews

5 stars
92.36%
4 stars
6.57%
3 stars
0.57%
2 stars
0.15%
1 star
0.33%

TOP REVIEWS FROM THE SCIENCE OF WELL-BEING

by AAJan 12, 2021

This course really helped me a lot, I am grateful with Laurie Santos and her team, the people involved into this great project. The oriented me into understanding valuable states of being and actions.

by PSAug 19, 2020

This is an outstanding course! I was able to change into a more positive and productive mindset as taught in this course. I highly recommend it to everyone regardless of your profession or background.

by MVJan 30, 2019

This is an outstanding course! I was able to change into a more positive and productive mindset as taught in this course. I highly recommend it to everyone regardless of your profession or background.

by JHJun 5, 2020

I couldn't have asked for a better class to be offered during this time. Got to learn a lot about myself and why I think or do certain things without even thinking about it. Thank you for this course!

View all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. 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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

The Science of Well-Being