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Big History - From the Big Bang until Today

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 253 ratings
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Esther Quaedackers

Welcome to this Big History course! In this course, renowned scientists and scholars from the University of Amsterdam and beyond will take you on a journey from the Big Bang until today while addressing key questions in their fields. After completing this journey you will have developed a better understanding of how you and everything around you became the way they are today. You will also have gained an understanding of the underlying mechanisms that have helped shape the history of everything and how they wil help shape the future. Last but not least, you will have developed the skill to use this knowledge to put smaller subjects into a bigger perspective with the aid of the little big history approach, which can help you develop some new ideas on these smaller subjects.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Cosmic History
The History of Earth and Life
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the history of science, math and technology
Taught by renowned scientists and scholars from the University of Amsterdam
Develops an understanding of how everything around us became the way they are today
Examines highly relevant topics in a comprehensive manner
Teaches how to put smaller subjects into a bigger perspective with the aid of the little big history approach
Advises students to take other courses first as prerequisites

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Reviews summary

Vast sweep of cosmic to human history

According to learners, this course provides a compelling journey through the history of everything, from the big bang to modern times. Many appreciate the interdisciplinary approach, finding it fascinating and well-structured. Students praise the high quality of the instructors, noting their expertise and engaging delivery. The breadth of topics covered is a major draw, offering a solid foundation in Big History. Some mention the workload is manageable, making it accessible, though a few felt certain sections could delve deeper into specific areas. Overall, it's seen as an excellent introductory course that broadens one's perspective significantly.
Pacing is generally good, but some want more depth.
"The course moves at a good pace, covering a lot without feeling rushed, though some sections felt a bit too brief given their complexity."
"It offers a great overview, but don't expect deep dives into every single topic. It's more about the connections."
"Some units could have benefited from more detailed information or resources for further study."
"While I appreciate the breadth, occasionally I wished for more depth on specific historical periods or scientific concepts."
Offers a solid introduction to Big History.
"This course provides a great foundation for understanding Big History. It's a perfect starting point for exploring the topic further."
"It's a comprehensive overview that ties together many threads across cosmic and human development."
"Gives a solid, broad introduction to the subject, perfect for someone new to the idea of Big History."
"I gained a strong fundamental understanding of how everything is connected across vast timescales."
Expert instructors are engaging and clear.
"The lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making complex subjects easy to understand and truly engaging."
"Professor is an amazing teacher and makes the Big History come to life."
"The instructors were fantastic! Their expertise shone through, and their lectures were always captivating."
"Excellent lectures and presentation. The professors were enthusiastic and conveyed the information clearly."
Covers history from cosmos to humans.
"This course is truly outstanding, covering a vast range of topics from the Big Bang to modern times in a compelling and accessible way."
"I loved how this course connected everything - cosmology, biology, history - it gave me a completely new perspective on the world."
"Provides a grand tour of history, demonstrating the interconnectedness of disciplines across time."
"An excellent course giving a new, integrated perspective on world history and life."

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 Big History - From the Big Bang until Today with these activities:
Find a mentor to help you with the course material
This can help you to get personalized guidance and support.
Show steps
  • Find a mentor
  • Meet with your mentor regularly
Read about the Big Bang and the early universe
This book will help you gain a deeper understanding of the Big Bang and the early universe, which will be essential for understanding the rest of the course.
View You and the Universe on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book
Watch videos about the history of the Earth and life
Watching videos can help you visualize the history of the Earth and life, which will help you to understand the key concepts of the course.
Browse courses on History of Earth
Show steps
  • Find videos about the history of the Earth and life
  • Watch the videos
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Take practice quizzes on the history of everything
These quizzes will help you to test your understanding of the key concepts of the course.
Show steps
  • Find practice quizzes on the history of everything
  • Take the quizzes
Join a study group to discuss the course material
Talking to other students can help you to learn from different perspectives and to better understand the material.
Show steps
  • Find a study group
  • Attend the study group meetings and participate in the discussions
Create a timeline of the history of the universe
By understanding the overall timeline of our existence, you can easily connect individual events in each era and understand their relationship with the big picture.
Show steps
  • Gather information about the history of the universe
  • Create a timeline
Compile a collection of resources on the history of everything
This will help you to stay up-to-date on the latest research and to deepen your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Find resources on the history of everything
  • Compile the resources into a collection
Help other students to understand the course material
This will help you to reinforce your own understanding of the material and to develop your teaching skills.
Show steps
  • Offer to help other students
  • Meet with other students and help them with the material
Participate in open source repositories related to Big History
This can help you to learn about the latest research and to contribute to the community.
Show steps
  • Find open source repositories related to Big History
  • Contribute to the repositories

Career center

Learners who complete Big History - From the Big Bang until Today will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Astronomer
For an Astronomer, the Big History course will be incredibly valuable in their studies relating to the origins of the universe, as the course studies the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang up until today. The history of astronomy and the history of the universe are closely related. Learning about the Big Bang and subsequent cosmic history will help the role of an astronomer to better grasp the evolutionary history of the universe up until today.
See salaries and explore the career path for Astronomer
Cosmologist
A Cosmologist will find the Big History course to be a valuable resource as it will help provide a wider context to their work. Cosmologists study the origin of and evolution of the universe, so the ability to see the bigger picture of how our universe came to be is important. This course covers everything from the Big Bang to today, which will enhance a Cosmologist's scope and range of knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cosmologist
Geologist
The Big History course is an incredibly relevant course for those working as Geologists, as it will give them a more well rounded understanding of the history of the Earth. This course covers The history of Earth and life, and human history, so a Geologist will be able to see how the Earth has changed and evolved over billions of years.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist
Historian
For Historians, the Big History course will be incredibly valuable as it provides a wider and broader scope of history outside of just human history. This course covers everything from the Big Bang to today, from cosmic history to the history of Earth and life, which will enhance a Historian's scope and range of knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Paleontologist
For Paleontologists, the Big History course will be an incredibly useful resource as it gives a history of the earth and of life. Studying the history of life on earth through the fossil record is an important part of the work of a Paleontologist, so having a background in the history of the earth will be a major benefit.
See salaries and explore the career path for Paleontologist
Ecologist
For Ecologists, the Big History course will be beneficial in the sense that it will provide context for understanding the development of life on earth. Ecologists study the interactions of organisms with their environment, including the physical and biological factors that affect the distribution and abundance of organisms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist
Science Writer
The Big History course will be useful for a future Science Writer as it will provide them with a bigger picture view of the history of science and how we have evolved over time. Science Writers write about current scientific advances, and being able to provide a broader historical context for these advances will make them a more valuable asset.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
Teacher
The Big History course will be useful for a Teacher, particularly one teaching science or history. The course includes modules on cosmic history, the history of Earth and life, and human history. Being able to teach students about the bigger picture of our history in the universe will be of great value to Teachers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Zoologist
For Zoologists, the Big History course will be beneficial in the sense that it will provide a broader context for understanding the history of life on earth. Zoologists study the behavior, physiology, anatomy, classification, and evolution of animals. Having a grasp of the history of the Earth and of life will help inform a Zoologist's work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Zoologist
Astrophysicist
The Big History course will be useful for a future career as an Astrophysicist as it will help provide a better understanding of the physical laws that govern the universe in which we live as well as a larger scale view of how and why those physical laws came to be.
See salaries and explore the career path for Astrophysicist
Biologist
Those hoping to work as a Biologist may find the Big History course useful, as it will help provide a wider context for their work. Biologists study living organisms, their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution, but not always at the level of the bigger picture. This course will help build a foundation for better understanding the evolution of life on earth on a macro scale.
See salaries and explore the career path for Biologist
Climatologist
For those working as Climatologists, the Big History course will be useful for better understanding the history of climate change. The course includes modules on cosmic history the history of Earth and life, and human history. Climatologists study climate patterns and the impact on our planet, and having a foundational background in how our climate came to be will be beneficial for Climatologists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climatologist
Meteorologist
As the Big History course covers cosmic history through human history, it will give Meteorologists an important foundational understanding of the history of our planet and of meteorology.
See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist
Oceanographer
The Big History course will be of some use to an Oceanographer as it will help provide a better understanding of the historical changes the oceans have gone through and how they have changed life on Earth.
See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer
Physicist
The Big History course will be of some use to a Physicist as it will help provide a better understanding of the physical laws that govern the universe in which we live.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physicist

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Big History - From the Big Bang until Today:
Culture & The Humanities
23 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Big History - From the Big Bang until Today.
Cover image
A Really Short History of Words
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present day. It is written in a clear and engaging style, and it great way to learn about the key concepts of big history.
A Really Short History of Words
Paperback
Check
A Really Short History of Words
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Art and Illusion
Save
Provides a concise and engaging overview of world history, from the Big Bang to the present day. It great way to get a broad understanding of the key events and themes that have shaped our world.
Art and Illusion: A Study in the Psychology of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Art and Illusion: A Study in the Psychology of...
Paperback
$$
Art and Illusion
Paperback
$$
(Español) Art and Illusion (Spanish Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Unstoppable Us, Volume 2: Why the World Isn't Fair
Save
Explores the history of humanity from a biological and cultural perspective. It thought-provoking and insightful read that will help you to understand the origins of our species and the challenges that we face today.
Unstoppable Us, Volume 2: Why the World Isn't Fair
Hardcover
$$
(Español) Por qué el mundo es injusto [Why the World Isn’t...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Unstoppable Us, Volume 2: Why the World Isn't Fair
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3
Save
Explores the history of humankind from a biological and cultural perspective. It fascinating and thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about what it means to be human.
Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3: The Masters...
Paperback
$$
Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3: The Masters...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Sixth Extinction (10th Anniversary Edition)
Save
Examines the history of mass extinctions on Earth. It well-written and informative book that will help you to understand the threats that our planet faces today.
The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition)
Audible Audiobook
$$
Cover image
Old Lands
Save
Beautifully illustrated atlas that tells the story of the universe from its origins to the present day. It great way to visualize the key events and processes that have shaped our world.
Old Lands: A Chorography of the Eastern Peloponnese
Paperback
$$
Old Lands: A Chorography of the Eastern Peloponnese
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Cosmic Connection
Save
This classic book personal journey through the history of the universe. It beautifully written and inspiring read that will make you appreciate the wonders of the cosmos.
The Cosmic Connection
Paperback
Check
The Cosmic Connection
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Quantum Supremacy
Save
Explores the possible futures of humanity. It fascinating and speculative read that will challenge your assumptions about what the future holds.
Quantum Supremacy: How the Quantum Computer...
Hardcover
$$
Quantum Supremacy: How the Quantum Computer...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction
Save
Provides a concise and engaging overview of the history of life on Earth. It great way to learn about the evolution of life, from the first single-celled organisms to the complex and diverse life forms that exist today.
The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction
Paperback
Check
The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Big Bang
Save
Provides a concise and engaging overview of the Big Bang theory. It great way to learn about the origins of the universe, from the first moments after the Big Bang to the present day.
Big Bang
Paperback
Check
Big Bang
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Christian Apologetics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of life on Earth. It great way to learn about the evolution of life, from the first single-celled organisms to the complex and diverse life forms that exist today.
Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for...
Hardcover
$$
Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Elements of Early Modern Physics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of physics. It great way to learn about the development of physics, from the ancient Greeks to the present day.
Elements of Early Modern Physics
Paperback
Check
Elements of Early Modern Physics
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Color in Art (Second) (World of Art)
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of chemistry. It great way to learn about the development of chemistry, from the ancient Greeks to the present day.
Color in Art (Second) (World of Art)
Paperback
Check
Color in Art (Second) (World of Art)
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
William and Caroline Herschel
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of astronomy. It great way to learn about the development of astronomy, from the ancient Greeks to the present day.
William and Caroline Herschel
Paperback
Check
William and Caroline Herschel
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
Approx. 12 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Amsterdam
Instructor
Esther Quaedackers
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the history of science, math and technology
Taught by renowned scientists and scholars from the University of Amsterdam
Develops an understanding of how everything around us became the way they are today
Examines highly relevant topics in a comprehensive manner
Teaches how to put smaller subjects into a bigger perspective with the aid of the little big history approach
Advises students to take other courses first as prerequisites
Featured in The Course Notes
Read one article that features this course, Big History - From the Big Bang until Today from our blog, The Course Notes:
Culture & The Humanities
23 minute read
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