Online Class: Current Discoveries of the Universe

This comprehensive course will take you on a journey to explore the deepest parts of the Universe and find answers to some of our most fundamental questions.
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  • 17
    Lessons
  • 18
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 0
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 15
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.5
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

When we think of famous astronomers and astronomical discoveries, we have a tendency to look far back in history. We often invoke the names of the great astronomers of the Renaissance, that time period when an enormous amount of knowledge was imparted to the world. But, in doing so, we neglect to pay homage to the Golden Age of Astronomy, which is happening right now. Some of the most profound questions about life are being answered by discoveries being made in our own lifetime, many even in the past decade. This course will explore many of these discoveries, with an emphasis on more recent discoveries that have given us insight into such tantalizing questions as: How did the Universe begin? When did it happen and under what conditions? How do stars form? What are they made of? How was the Earth formed? Are there other planets? Do they have life too?

We will start with the recent discoveries of Exoplanets, or planets that exist outside our solar system. We will explore the conditions that are necessary to form life on these planets. We will then move on discuss Dark Energy, this mysterious force that is believed to comprise most of the Universe. Other topics include the sensational discovery of the Higgs boson particle, a discovery that filled in one of the missing pieces of one the most important concepts in physics; we'll look at the age and expansion of the Universe, gamma-ray bursts, the mysterious Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, and the tantalizing concepts behind String Theory. This comprehensive course will take you on a journey to explore the deepest parts of the Universe and find answers to some of our most fundamental questions.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 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

Average Lesson Rating:
5.00 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(153 votes)

Lesson 1. Exoplanets and Dark Energy: Unraveling the Universe's Secrets

11 Points
Since 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has provided an unparalleled view of the cosmos, capturing crucial moments in star and galaxy evolution. Its contributions have been fundamental, from determining the Universe's age to mapping dark matter with gravitational lensing.
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Why this Course?
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Exoplanet Exploration: The Search for Habitability

10 Points
The ongoing search for exoplanets raises the possibility of identifying Earth-like planets within the 'Goldilocks Zone,' where the conditions are just right for water and life. Instruments like the forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope will continue to enhance our ability to observe these distant worlds' atmospheres and surfaces.
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. The Quest for Cosmic Chronology

10 Points
The universe's age estimation, enhanced by celestial observations and cosmic principles like the Doppler Effect and Hubble's Law, exemplifies scientific progress from imprecise beginnings to precise cosmological frameworks. As modern technology refines our grasp of expansive cosmic forces, enigmatic phenomena like dark matter and energy remain pivotal in rewriting the universe's narrative.
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. The Expanding Universe: A Quest for Understanding

10 Points
Cosmic Microwave Background studies have elucidated early universe conditions, showing an unexpected matter domination born from the Big Bang's aftermath. The singularity mystifies current physics, challenging scientists to decrypt the universe's origin, while ongoing research explores future cosmological trajectories with advanced observatories.
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Exploring the Cosmic Puzzle: Dark Energy's Hidden Secrets

10 Points
The discovery of the universe's accelerating expansion challenged previous beliefs, leading to the hypothesis of Dark Energy—a force comprising 70% of the cosmos and reshaping cosmological studies. Theories like the cosmological constant and quintessence strive to explain this enigmatic energy, while efforts continue to directly detect it.
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. Unveiling the Cosmic Unknown: The Nature of Dark Matter

10 Points
Behind the brilliance of starry skies lies a secret in cosmic balance: the unseen grip of Dark Matter, holding galaxies in a silent embrace. Scientists pursue its shadow to redefine the boundaries of physics and uncover the mysteries of an expansive universe beyond the visible.
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. The Universe's Tapestry: Understanding Planetary and Stellar Formation

10 Points
Galaxies are sprawling cosmic islands hosting billions of stars and their planets, shaping the large-scale architecture of the universe. Spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies each narrate unique tales of formation and evolution, representing the Universe’s grand scale and elegance.
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Liquid Mysteries: Water's Journey on the Moon and Mars

0 Points
Human missions to Mars pose numerous challenges, including radiation exposure and life support, but offer opportunities through resources such as Martian water and minerals. Collaborative efforts between space agencies and commercial entities aim to overcome these obstacles as we look toward potential human presence on Mars.

Lesson 9. Gamma-Ray Bursts Explained

20 Points
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are cosmic phenomena representing the most powerful explosions observed since the Big Bang, captivating scientists with their extraordinary brightness and unpredictable occurrences across the universe. Advancements in technology allow astronomers to study these enigmatic events, revealing their origins in distant galaxies and correlations with collapsed stars or neutron star mergers.
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. The Cosmic Symphony: Exploring String Theory’s Promise

10 Points
String Theory ambitiously seeks to unify physics by proposing that fundamental particles are one-dimensional vibrating strings, rather than point-like dots, potentially explaining all forces and particles within a singular framework. This elegant perspective reconciles the microscopic world of quantum mechanics with the cosmic scale of relativity, suggesting a cohesive 'Theory of Everything.'
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. The Cosmic Tale of Dwarf Planets: Navigating New Definitions and Discoveries

10 Points
The introduction of the 'dwarf planet' category reflects a need to recognize celestial bodies that possess characteristics between traditional planets and smaller objects like asteroids. As of 2023, five dwarf planets are officially recognized, each representing a unique aspect of solar system exploration.
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. Origins of the Cosmos: Understanding the Big Bang Theory

10 Points
Galactic formations such as the Milky Way owe their origins to CMB anisotropies and gravitational dance, orchestrated over eons. Instruments like the Planck satellite continually refine our cosmic understanding by examining the universe's composition through its dark matter and dark energy proportions.
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. Sun's Fury: Understanding Coronal Mass Ejections

10 Points
Our Sun, while life-sustaining, poses potential risks through solar flares and CMEs that could cripple technological systems worldwide. To counteract these dangers, strengthening infrastructure resilience and improving space weather forecasting are essential steps forward.
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14. Revolutionizing Our View: The Profound Impact of Special Relativity

10 Points
Albert Einstein's special relativity redefined physics by connecting space and time into a four-dimensional continuum and showing mass-energy interchangeability. These concepts, tested by modern technology like GPS, continue to shape scientific and philosophical discourse on the universe.
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15. Light Speed and Inertial Frames: The Pillars of Relativity

10 Points
The Second Law of Special Relativity emphasizes the immutable speed of light across all reference frames, defying typical expectations of relative velocity. This constancy leads to profound implications, necessitating space and time adjustments, such as time dilation, where a moving observer experiences time slower relative to a stationary observer.
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16. The Enigma of the K-Pg Extinction: Unraveling the Event that Changed Earth's History

10 Points
A colossal asteroid impact 66 million years ago, identified by the Chicxulub crater, led to the rapid demise of the dinosaurs while ushering mammals into a new evolutionary era. This dramatic shift in biodiversity underscores the adaptability of life amid profound environmental upheaval.
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17. Particles and Possibilities: The Implications of Higgs's Discovery

10 Points
Nestled underground at the edge of France and Switzerland, the Large Hadron Collider at CERN embarks on unraveling the universe's deepest mysteries by probing subatomic particles. Highlighting the elusive Higgs boson discovery in 2012, it affirmed a pivotal part of the Standard Model, resonating through multiple branches of physics and technological innovation.
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam
171
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define the golden age of astronomy.
  • Describe exoplanets.
  • Summarize the age of the universe.
  • Describe expansion of the universe.
  • Describe Dark Energy and Dark Matter
  • Describe how planets and galaxies form.
  • Describe gamma-ray bursts.
  • Summarize String Theory.
  • Recognize dwarf planets.
  • Describe cosmic microwave background radiation.
  • Coronal Mass Ejections
  • Describe Coronal Mass Ejections and Special Relativity.
  • Describe The KT Extinction.
  • Summarize The Higgs Boson Particle.
  • 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: Current Discoveries of the Universe
Course Number: 8900180
Lessons Rating: 5.00 / 5 Stars (153 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is available online in all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: November 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.5 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.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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