Online Class: Cosmology 101 — A Simple Guide to the Universe

This course embarks students on a cosmic odyssey, assessing historical and cutting-edge cosmological theories and phenomena. It aims to weave a coherent narrative from the universe's primordial beginnings to its enigmatic future.

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  • 14
    Lessons
  • 16
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 8
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.8
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Cosmology 101: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe

In a vast universe filled with unimaginable wonders and secrets, there's no shortage of mysteries to be unraveled. Our course, Cosmology 101, is crafted to guide you through a profound journey across time and space, delving into the intricate fabric of the cosmos.

From the earliest human perceptions of the universe to the most recent scientific breakthroughs, we aim to offer you a comprehensive understanding of cosmology, the study of the universe's origin, evolution, and eventual fate.

Course Highlights

  • Discovering The Early Universe: Dive deep into the world of cosmology, beginning with its foundational concepts. Here, you'll understand the confluence of religious, cultural, and scientific perspectives that have shaped our view of the cosmos through the ages.

  • The Origins And Early Days Of Exploration: Step into the minds of ancient civilizations and understand the cosmos from their perspective. This module unravels the trailblazing discoveries from the times of the Greeks to the Copernican revolution.

  • Size, Shape & Age Of Our Universe: Explore the fundamental principles that govern the universe. From Newton's groundbreaking laws of motion to Einstein's relativity, you'll grasp the magnitude and intricacies of our cosmic home.

  • Cosmology Beyond Boundaries: Understand that cosmology isn't solely rooted in science. It extends beyond theology and science fiction, intertwining with alternative theories and beliefs about life's origins and the suitability of our universe for life.

  • Creation and Collapse of the Universe: Grasp the principles of the Big Bang and other theories like the Big Crunch. Dive into the mysteries of ancient radiation and explore the potential reversal of gravity.

  • Building Our Own Universe: Uncover the fundamental building blocks of the universe. From the basic atom to the complexities of quantum mechanics, this module offers a glimpse into the universe's microscopic world.

  • Natural Forces And Their Impact: Explore the forces that hold the universe together. Delve into quantum gravity and understand the visible and invisible forces that shape our reality.

  • Into the Abyss - Dark Secrets of the Cosmos: Understand the enigmatic dark matter and dark energy, fundamental constants, and the intricate balance that sustains our universe.

  • The Cosmic Chemistry: Discover the elemental makeup of the universe. Learn about the formation of elements post the Big Bang and the chemical barriers that exist.

  • Stellar Genesis: Understand the life cycle of stars, the stories they tell, and the secrets of black holes. Delve into the birth of galaxies and the mysteries they hold.

  • Time Travel - Beyond Now: Explore the concepts of time, from Einstein's theories to the fascinating prospects of time dilation and travel.

  • Legends of Cosmology: Appreciate the monumental contributions of legendary figures like Pythagoras, Galileo, Newton, and Einstein, whose work laid the foundations of our cosmic understanding.

  • Pioneering Cosmological Discoveries: Get acquainted with the latest tools and discoveries that have expanded our understanding of the universe, from the Hubble Telescope to CERN.

  • The Cosmic Endgame: Ponder on the eventual fate of our universe. Will it end in a Big Chill, a Big Crunch, or perhaps a Big Rip?

Each lesson in this course is meticulously designed to offer a mix of theoretical knowledge, interactive assignments, and real-time evaluations, ensuring a holistic learning experience.

Enroll in Cosmology 101 and journey through the cosmos, understanding its past, present, and potential future. Allow us to guide you through the wonders of our universe, exploring the known and venturing into the unknown.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Lesson 1. Exploring Cosmology: From Magic to Science

Originating from mystical musings in ancient times, the field of cosmology has transitioned from the early belief in a magical Universe to sophisticated scientific understanding of cosmic laws. This progression illustrates humanity's enduring quest to comprehend the Universe, from the simplistic observations of Neolithic societies to the groundbreaking work of Copernicus and beyond. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Learning about Cosmology; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Course Introduction and Goals
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: Discovering the early Universe

Lesson 2. From Myth to Measurement: The Early Greeks and Astronomy

The lesson traverses early human perspectives on astronomy, blending celestial mythos with nascent scientific views, underscoring humanity's longstanding fascination with the skies. Through the curiosity of scholars like Pythagoras and Aristarchus, the groundwork was laid for Copernican heliocentrism, challenging long-held geocentric beliefs. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: The origins and early days of exploration

Lesson 3. Newton's Legacy: The Pathways of Stars and Planets

Newton's Laws of Motion and Gravity revolutionized our understanding of orbital mechanics and planetary motion. This empowered further scientific advancements with robust, verifiable mathematical frameworks. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: Size, shape & age of our Universe

Lesson 4. Scientific and Religious Perspectives on Universal Origins

Differentiating between cosmology and traditional theology, the lesson captures the scientific method's core strength: making predictions to unravel the secrets of the universe while acknowledging how cultural narratives reflect humanity's perennial curiosity. The scientific focus extends into analyzing life's nature and emergence on Earth, contemplating whether life can also exist in exotic forms unlike our carbon-dependent organisms. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: Cosmology isn't theology or science fiction – Science is about making testable predi

Lesson 5. The Beginning of Everything

The Big Bang Theory has transformed our understanding of the Universe from infinite to having a definite origin around 13.7 billion years ago. This cosmic explosion marked the beginning of space's expansion, yet what occurred before remains speculative. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Off with a bang

Lesson 6. Exploring the Building Blocks of Our Universe

Our universe, comprised of vast and mysterious entities, is mostly dark energy, cold dark matter, and a sliver of baryonic matter. Despite centuries of study, much remains elusive, such as the accelerating expansion of space. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: Building our own Universe

Lesson 7. Forces Unveiled

The universe's fundamental natural forces—gravity, electromagnetic, strong, and weak—are crucial for the existence of matter, with each force varying in strength and range. Despite its name, the weak force is vital for stellar processes and was historically pivotal in discovering radioactivity and nuclear decay. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Natural Forces
  • Assessment: Lesson 7: Natural forces and the role they play

Lesson 8. Light and Shadows: An Astronomical Odyssey

String theory ambitiously seeks to unify all fundamental particles as varied manifestations of minute strings, offering a potential 'Theory of Everything'. This modern perspective posits a new dimension to subatomic understanding by portraying particles not as points, but as tiny oscillating loops of string. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8: In the dark

Lesson 9. Atomic Beginnings: The Creation of Elements

The mysterious transition from a proton-to-neutron flip to a proton-heavy cosmos set the stage for hydrogen and helium dominance, key players in universe formation. These elements became precursors to a complex range of phenomena, including stars fueling ongoing elemental evolution. 8 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: In the Universe really just a big chemistry set?

Lesson 10. Unveiling the Enigmatic Supernovae

After the Big Bang, hydrogen and helium coalesced under gravity, leading to the mysterious birth of stars and superheating processes possibly driven by magnetic fields. Recent studies using X-ray detection revealed matter rapidly falling toward protostar cores, complicating our understanding of star formation. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Naming Stars
  • Assessment: Lesson 10: Making stars, solar systems & galaxies

Lesson 11. Understanding Time and Relativity

Einstein's recognition that speed impacts time and mass led to groundbreaking realizations about energy, influencing scientific advancements like atomic research. Despite alternative hypotheses, the unchanging speed of light in a vacuum maintains foundational roles in understanding cosmic age and structure. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: Time travel

Lesson 12. Visionaries of the Cosmos: Galileo to Hawking

Galileo Galilei pioneered observational astronomy and physics by enhancing telescopes and championing heliocentrism, despite persecution by the Catholic Church. His blend of mathematics and science broke away from dogma, paving the way for modern scientific exploration. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12: The greats & what they have done for our understanding of the Universe

Lesson 13. Instruments of Insight: The Evolution of Modern Cosmology

The Keck Telescopes, situated in Hawaii atop Mauna Kea, are the world's largest optical telescopes with 10-meter segmented mirrors, capable of acting as an astronomical interferometer. Their location benefits from stable thermal conditions, minimal atmospheric interference, and low light pollution, making them ideal for visible and infrared observations. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13: The greatest cosmological advances

Lesson 14. When Stars Burn Out: Cosmic Conclusions

Our Sun, a typical yellow dwarf, continues to burn hydrogen with an estimated 10 billion-year lifespan, signaling both stability and the eventual extinguishing stages that astronomers assert may occur in another 5.5 billion years. As the sun expands during its final fiery phase, it will eventually exhaust its fuel, transforming dramatically while marking a colossal cosmic milestone. 75 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your Opinion Matters: Course Rating; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 14: The end
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
201
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe the early universe.
  • Summarize the origins and early days of exploration.
  • Describe the size, shape and age of the universe.
  • Summarize the events of the Big Bang.
  • Describe how the universe was built.
  • Define natural forces.
  • Summarize how stars, solar systems and galaxies were formed.
  • Summarize theories about time travel.
  • Summarize the greatest cosmological advances and the people who helped discover them.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Cosmology 101: A Simple Guide to the Universe
Course Number: 7550428
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: January 2024
CEU Value: 0.8 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Great instructor. I did not contact for any reason, but always provided a bit of feedback for each exam and assignment." -- David M.
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  • "The subject matter was difficult but I enjoyed the challenge." -- Maria D.
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