Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity from Coursera

In this course we will seek to “understand Einstein,” especially focusing on the special theory of relativity that Albert Einstein, as a twenty-six year old patent clerk, introduced in his “miracle year” of 1905. Our goal will be to go behind the myth-making and beyond the popularized presentations of relativity in order to gain a deeper understanding of both Einstein the person and the concepts, predictions, and strange paradoxes of his theory. Some of the questions we will address include: How did Einstein come up with his ideas? What was the nature of his genius? What is the meaning of relativity? What’s “special” about the special theory of relativity? Why did the theory initially seem to be dead on arrival? What does it mean to say that time is the “fourth dimension”? Can time actually run more slowly for one person than another, and the size of things change depending on their velocity? Is time travel possible, and if so, how? Why can’t things travel faster than the speed of light? Is it possible to travel to the center of the galaxy and return in one lifetime? Is there any evidence that definitively confirms the theory, or is it mainly speculation? Why didn’t Einstein win the Nobel Prize for the theory of relativity?

About the instructor: Dr. Larry Lagerstrom is the Director of Academic Programs at Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development, which offers graduate certificates in subjects such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, data mining, nanotechnology, innovation, and management science. He holds degrees in physics, mathematics, and the history of science, has published a book and a TED Ed video on "Young Einstein: From the Doxerl Affair to the Miracle Year," and has had over 30,000 students worldwide enroll in his online course on the special theory of relativity (this course!).

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course, and Einstein in Context

Week 1: Introduction to the Course, and Einstein in Context

Events, Clocks, and Reference Frames

Week 2: Events, Clocks, and Reference Frames

Ethereal Problems and Solutions

Week 3: Ethereal Problems and Solutions

The Weirdness Begins

Week 4: The Weirdness Begins

Spacetime Switches

Week 5: Spacetime Switches

Breaking the Spacetime Speed Limit

Week 6: Breaking the Spacetime Speed Limit

Paradoxes to Ponder

Week 7: Paradoxes to Ponder

To the Center of the Galaxy and Back

Week 8: To the Center of the Galaxy and Back

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores Einstein's theory of relativity, examining his work and the implications of his ideas

Taught by Dr. Larry Lagerstrom, an expert in physics and the history of science

Provides a comprehensive overview of the special theory of relativity, including its history, concepts, and implications

Suitable for learners with a strong foundation in mathematics and physics

Requires learners to engage with challenging concepts and paradoxes

Emphasizes the interplay between science and history, providing context for Einstein's work

Reviews summary

Einstein, relativity

learners say this course is largely positive and engaging, with some expressing that it's well received. According to students, the course is well organized, clear, and easy to understand. They appreciate the historical background and context provided by the instructor, as well as the use of examples and diagrams to illustrate complex concepts. The course is also praised for its focus on qualitative understanding rather than mathematical rigor, making it accessible to learners with varying levels of physics and math backgrounds. Students also appreciate the instructor's clear explanations and engaging delivery style. However, some learners have expressed that the course could be more challenging and that they would have preferred a more in-depth exploration of the mathematical aspects of special relativity. Overall, it is a well-structured and engaging course that provides a solid foundation in the special theory of relativity. It is suitable for learners with varying backgrounds, and it can be used as a starting point for further exploration of the topic

Students appreciate the practice and final quizzes, saying they are designed to ensure understanding of the lectures.

"The problem sets should not be optional! These are good student reinforcement opportunities."

"They are designed in such a way that you only get them right if you really understood the lectures."

Students appreciate the historical context and background of Einstein's thinking, finding it helpful for understanding the person of Einstein and his thought process.

"I very much appreciated the historical background material."

"This makes it easier to understand the person of Einstein and the background of his thinking process."

Students appreciate the instructor's clear explanations, engaging delivery style, and use of examples and diagrams to illustrate complex concepts.

"His narration was perfect and articulate, which I ultimately found to be helpful in nourishing and supporting my intellect on all of the deepest insights of special relativity."

"His teaching was honestly amazing, and Stanford is lucky to have him as a teacher."

Students appreciate that the course is well-organized, clear, and easy to understand. They also appreciate the focus on qualitative understanding rather than mathematical rigor, making it accessible to learners with varying levels of physics and math backgrounds.

"The theory of special relativity is presented step by step in an incremental, systematic and progressive manner."

"This includes much repetition and a rather slow pace."

"But don't think to soon that you can skip some parts."

"Relativity is counter-intuitive and often confusing."

"So, be patient and follow the pace of the instructor."

Some learners have expressed that the course could be more challenging and that they would have preferred a more in-depth exploration of the mathematical aspects of special relativity.

"The difficulty: Way too easy."

"The professor seems to assume that the audience is weak in Math & Physics."

"The prerequisites for the course should include at least elementary Mechanics and Vector Algebra."

Some learners have expressed that the course is too slow-paced, with too much repetition and a focus on basic algebra.

"The course is very effective and I can’t wait to attend similar courses."

"The instructor, Larry Lagerstrom, was very knowledgeable."

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Physicist

Physicists study the laws of nature and the behavior of matter and energy. This course may be useful for you as a physicist as it introduces the special theory of relativity and explores its implications.

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Particle Physicist

Particle Physicists study the smallest particles of matter and the forces that act between them. This course may be useful for you as a particle physicist to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and predictions of Einstein's theory of relativity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Particle Physicist

Mathematician

Mathematicians create new mathematical knowledge and solve problems using mathematical techniques. This course may be useful for you as a mathematician as this course introduces the mathematical foundations of Einstein's theory of relativity.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool to graduate school. This course may be useful for you as a teacher of physics or science, as it will give you a deeper understanding of the special theory of relativity, which is a fundamental concept in physics.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to the public. This course may be useful for you as a Science Writer to gain a deeper understanding of the special theory of relativity, which is a fascinating and complex scientific concept.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research in a variety of fields. This course may be useful for you as a Research Scientist as it will give you a deeper understanding of the special theory of relativity, which is fundamental to many areas of science.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret large data sets to extract insights and solve problems. This course may be useful in building a foundation for you as a Data Scientist as an understanding of relativity is increasingly becoming indispensable for machine learning and AI systems.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts develop and use mathematical models to solve complex problems in business, industry, and government. This course may be useful for you as an Operations Research Analyst as an understanding of relativity can aid in solving complex systems problems.

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Quantum Physicist

Quantum Physicists study the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level. This course may be useful for you as a Quantum Physicist as an understanding of relativity is increasingly becoming indispensable for quantum physics research.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. This course may be useful for you as a Software Engineer as an understanding of relativity is increasingly becoming indispensable for software systems that simulate physical phenomena.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers research, design, develop, maintain, and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. This course may be useful to you as a Nuclear Engineer as an understanding of relativity is increasingly becoming indispensable for nuclear power and fusion technology.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze, design, and implement computer systems. This course may be useful for you as a Systems Analyst as an understanding of relativity is increasingly becoming indispensable for complex systems analysis.

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Plasma Physicist

Plasma Physicists study the behavior of plasma, the fourth state of matter. This course may be useful for you as a Plasma Physicist as an understanding of relativity is increasingly becoming indispensable for plasma physics research.

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Astronomer

Astronomers study celestial bodies and phenomena beyond Earth's atmosphere. This course may be useful in growing your astronomy knowledge and familiarity with Einstein's theory of relativity, which is fundamental to astronomy.

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Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists apply the principles of physics to astronomical objects and phenomena. This course may be useful in growing your astrophysics knowledge and familiarity with Einstein's theory of relativity, which is fundamental to astrophysics.

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