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S. George Djorgovski

This is an introductory astronomy survey class that covers our understanding of the physical universe and its major constituents, including planetary systems, stars, galaxies, black holes, quasars, larger structures, and the universe as a whole.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1
Welcome to The Evolving Universe!
Week 2
Read more
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops a base in astronomy for learners with none, or very little background in the subject
Covers foundational astronomy topics
Provides a broad perspective on the field of astronomy
Can serve as preparation for advanced study in astronomy or astrophysics
Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in the field of astronomy
May be of interest to learners with a passion for astronomy

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Reviews summary

Space science essentials

Learners say this course is largely positive and offers engaging assignments. It takes you on an in-depth exploration of the evolving universe, from its origins to present-day discoveries. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the big bang, stellar evolution, and cosmology. The instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material in a clear and concise manner. Overall, this course will give you a comprehensive understanding of the universe and its mysteries.
Well-structured, organized syllabus with a smooth transition between topics.
"The syllabus is well thought and organized."
"It follows a suitable transition from the fundaments to the most challenging topics."
"The combination of engaging lectures, interactive exercises, and high-quality production made for a highly enjoyable learning journey."
Excellent, engaging instructor who presents complex concepts clearly.
"Excellent course!"
"Brilliant professor."
"The course is very comprehensive."
Covers a wide range of astronomy and astrophysics topics, from the big bang to the evolution of galaxies.
"Covers mostly all the astronomy topics in a deep-general way."
"The course is very comprehensive."
"Excellent survey of astronomy and cosmology."
Some materials may be outdated or inaccurate.
"It may be fine for engineering students and those who have a pretty advanced knowledge of Physics, but not for others."
"The course is fine, perhaps a little out of date, since it has not been updated for a long time."
Can be challenging for beginners, especially those without a background in physics.
"This course was very informative, but know that you definitely need to have some prior knowledge in physics."
"It may be fine for engineering students and those who have a pretty advanced knowledge of Physics, but not for others."
"The course is fine, perhaps a little out of date, since it has not been updated for a long time."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Evolving Universe with these activities:
Review your notes and handouts from previous astronomy courses
Reviewing your previous astronomy knowledge will help you refresh your memory and make it easier to learn new material in this course.
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Show steps
  • Gather your notes and handouts from previous astronomy courses
  • Review the material and identify any areas where you need to refresh your knowledge
  • Seek out additional resources to help you understand the concepts you're struggling with
Watch online tutorials or documentaries on astronomy
Watching online tutorials or documentaries on astronomy will help you learn new concepts, expand your knowledge, and get inspired by the field.
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials or documentaries on astronomy that cover topics you're interested in
  • Watch the videos and take notes
  • Review the material and identify any areas where you need to learn more
Review The Expanding Universe by Barrow and Tipler
Reviewing The Expanding Universe will help you solidify the concepts of cosmology and expand your knowledge of the evolution of the universe.
Show steps
  • Read the book
  • Take notes on the key concepts
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter
  • Create a mind map of the book's content
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Join a study group or online community for astronomy
Joining a study group or online community will provide you with opportunities to discuss astronomy concepts with other students and get help with your studies.
Browse courses on Online Communities
Show steps
  • Find a study group or online community that fits your needs
  • Introduce yourself and participate in discussions
  • Ask questions and share your knowledge with others
Practice solving astronomy problems
Solving astronomy problems will help you develop your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of astronomical concepts.
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Show steps
  • Find a list of astronomy problems online or in a textbook
  • Attempt to solve the problems on your own
  • Check your answers against the solutions
  • Review the problems you got wrong and identify your mistakes
Attend an astronomy workshop or lecture
Attending workshops will help you connect with other astronomy enthusiasts and learn from experts in the field.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Find an astronomy workshop or lecture in your area
  • Register for the event
  • Attend the event and take notes
  • Follow up with the speakers or other attendees after the event
Create a presentation on a specific astronomical topic
Creating a presentation will help you develop your communication skills and present astronomical concepts in a clear and concise way.
Browse courses on Presentation Skills
Show steps
  • Choose an astronomical topic
  • Research the topic and gather information
  • Write an outline for your presentation
  • Create slides for your presentation, including visuals and text
  • Rehearse your presentation
Build a telescope or other astronomy-related project
Building a telescope or other astronomy-related project will help you apply your knowledge and gain hands-on experience in astronomy.
Browse courses on Hands-on Activities
Show steps
  • Research different types of telescopes or astronomy projects
  • Choose a project that matches your skills and interests
  • Gather the necessary materials and tools
  • Follow the instructions carefully and build your project
  • Test your project and make any necessary adjustments

Career center

Learners who complete The Evolving Universe will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Astronomer
Astronomers use telescopes and other instruments to study the universe, including planets, stars, galaxies, and black holes. They develop theories about the origin and evolution of the universe, and they use their knowledge to explain astronomical phenomena. This course would be helpful for Astronomers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Astrobiologist
Astrobiologists study the origin and evolution of life in the universe. They develop and test theories about the conditions necessary for life to arise, and they use their knowledge to search for life beyond Earth. This course would be helpful for Astrobiologists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Planetary Scientist
Planetary Scientists study planets, moons, and other objects in our solar system. They develop and test theories about the origin and evolution of the solar system, and they use their knowledge to design and build space missions. This course would be helpful for Planetary Scientists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Space Scientist
Space Scientists study the universe using satellites, telescopes, and other instruments. They develop and test theories about the origin and evolution of the universe, and they use their knowledge to design and build space missions. This course would be helpful for Space Scientists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Cosmologist
Cosmologists study the origin and evolution of the universe. They develop theories about the Big Bang, dark matter, and dark energy. This course would be helpful for Cosmologists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicists use the principles of physics to study the universe. They develop theories about the origin and evolution of the universe, and they use their knowledge to explain astronomical phenomena. This course would be helpful for Astrophysicists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Astronomical Photographer
Astronomical Photographers use telescopes and cameras to take pictures of the universe. They use their knowledge of astronomy to capture images of planets, stars, galaxies, and other objects in the night sky. This course would be helpful for Astronomical Photographers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Science Writer
Science Writers write about science for a variety of audiences. They develop and write articles, books, and other materials that explain scientific concepts to the public. This course would be helpful for Science Writers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels. They develop and implement lesson plans, and they use their knowledge of science to explain scientific concepts to students. This course would be helpful for Science Teachers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs for museums and other institutions. They use their knowledge of science to create exhibits and activities that teach visitors about the physical universe and its major constituents.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze financial data to make investment recommendations. They may work for a variety of companies, including those in the aerospace and defense industries. This course would be helpful for Financial Analysts because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They may work on a variety of projects, including those related to astronomy and space exploration. This course would be helpful for Management Consultants because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They may work on a variety of projects, including those related to astronomy and space exploration. This course would be helpful for Software Engineers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data. They may work on a variety of projects, including those related to astronomy and space exploration. This course would be helpful for Data Scientists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software, hardware, and other products. They may work on a variety of projects, including those related to astronomy and space exploration. This course would be helpful for Technical Writers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the physical universe and its major constituents.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Evolving Universe.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the large scale structure of the universe, from the basics to the latest discoveries. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
This classic book provides a fascinating exploration of the first three minutes of the universe's existence. It must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the origins of our universe.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of modern astrophysics, covering topics such as the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies, black holes, and cosmology. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Provides a fascinating exploration of black holes and the nature of spacetime. It is written by one of the world's leading experts on the subject, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about these enigmatic objects.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of galaxies, from their formation and evolution to their structure and properties. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the theory of stellar structure and evolution. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of astronomy, from the basics to the latest discoveries. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of quasars and active galactic nuclei. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of cosmology, from the basics to the latest discoveries. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of modern cosmology, from the basics to the latest discoveries. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to astrophysics, making it a great starting point for those new to the field. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of astronomy to the latest discoveries in cosmology.
This classic book provides a sweeping overview of the universe, from its origins to its ultimate fate. It must-read for anyone interested in learning more about our place in the cosmos.

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