Online Class: Current Discoveries of the Universe

Name: Current Discoveries of the Universe
Price: 95.00 USD

Explore the forefront of astronomical research in this course, focusing on recent discoveries that answer some of life's biggest questions about the Universe's beginning, star and planet formation, and possibilities of life beyond Earth. It investigates crucial topics such as Exoplanets, Dark Energy, the Higgs boson, and String Theory, providing a modern understanding of cosmic phenomena.

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17

Lessons
15

Exams &
Assignments
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:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(153 votes)

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

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. 22 Total Points

Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Introduce Yourself
Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Exoplanet Exploration: The Search for Habitability

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. 21 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 2 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. The Quest for Cosmic Chronology

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. 21 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 3 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. The Expanding Universe: A Quest for Understanding

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. 20 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

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

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. 20 Total Points

Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

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

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. 19 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

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

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. 21 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

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

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. 20 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 8 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Gamma-Ray Bursts Explained

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. 1 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 9 Activity

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

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.' 0 Total Points

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

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. 0 Total Points

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

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. 0 Total Points

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

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. 0 Total Points

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

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. 0 Total Points

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

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. 0 Total Points

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

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. 0 Total Points

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

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. 0 Total Points

Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Course Comments

165

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Describe the role of space telescopes like Kepler and TESS in identifying exoplanets.
Explain how atmospheric analysis of exoplanets can help determine their potential to support life.
Define an exoplanet and list at least three methods used to detect them, such as the radial velocity method, transit method, and direct imaging.
Explain the significance of the Hubble Space Telescope in discovering exoplanets, particularly Fomalhaut b, and the potential implications for finding extraterrestrial life.
Define the Doppler Effect and explain its significance in determining the universe's age.
Describe how the Hubble Space Telescope contributed to refining estimates of the universe's age through the observation of Cepheid variable stars.
Define and explain the Inflation Theory, including its impact on our understanding of the universe's uniformity.
Identify and describe the role of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation in supporting the theory of baryogenesis and its implications for the matter-antimatter imbalance.
Identify and compare the theories proposed to explain dark energy, including the cosmological constant and quintessence, and evaluate their viability based on current observations.
Define the concept of dark energy and discuss its implications for the expansion of the universe
Define Dark Matter by identifying its composition and explaining why it does not emit, absorb, or reflect light.
Recognize the importance of Dark Matter in galaxy formation by analyzing its gravitational effects on celestial structures and galaxy rotation curves.
Identify and explain the process of star formation from nebular clouds, detailing the stages from gas and dust accumulation to nuclear fusion ignition.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

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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

Category:

UniversalClass.com > Science > Beginner Sciences

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: November 2024

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.

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Dana Kristan

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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