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Question Reality

Matter

Marcelo Gleiser

In this course, you will walk through a timeline of “the atom” from the Greeks through discoveries in the 1900s and learn how our understanding of matter and the atom affected our views on reality.

You will be introduced to some of the current understandings of matter and subatomic particles and also take a trip to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN! Finally, you will explore quantum mechanics' interpretation of reality and compare quantum versus classical boundaries.

Read more

In this course, you will walk through a timeline of “the atom” from the Greeks through discoveries in the 1900s and learn how our understanding of matter and the atom affected our views on reality.

You will be introduced to some of the current understandings of matter and subatomic particles and also take a trip to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN! Finally, you will explore quantum mechanics' interpretation of reality and compare quantum versus classical boundaries.

This course also addresses questions such as: Where do you draw the line between the quantum and the classical worlds? What do we mean by “knowable” and “unknowable”?

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Matter Part I
This module explores how our understanding of matter and the atom affected our views on Reality.
Module 2: Matter Part II
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces the history of atomic studies, ranging from ancient Greece to contemporary discoveries
Provides an overview of particles, subatomic particles, and the Large Hadron Collider
Delves into essential concepts of quantum mechanics and its impact on how we perceive reality
Raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of existence, the knowable, and the limits of our understanding
Marcelo Gleiser, a renowned theoretical physicist, serves as the course instructor

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Reviews summary

Exploring reality through matter's evolution

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and fascinating journey through the evolution of our understanding of matter and reality. Learners commend the excellent instructor for their clarity in explaining complex concepts, making deep philosophical and scientific topics accessible. The course provides a well-structured overview from ancient Greek thought to modern quantum mechanics, including a unique virtual trip to CERN. While some find the conceptual depth challenging, many appreciate the thought-provoking questions that encourage a deeper look at the quantum and classical worlds, making it ideal for curious minds seeking to expand their understanding of fundamental physics and its philosophical implications.
Well-organized modules, though some desired more resources.
"The three modules build upon each other very effectively, guiding you through the evolution of ideas."
"I appreciated the clear progression from historical context to modern quantum interpretations."
"While the lectures were superb, I sometimes wished for more supplementary readings or problem sets."
Offers a valuable historical perspective and modern applications.
"The historical timeline of the atom was incredibly insightful, connecting past discoveries to present understanding."
"The virtual trip to CERN was a fantastic, unique addition that brought the concepts to life."
"It's great to see how our understanding of matter has evolved and its implications for modern physics."
Suitable for those new to physics but provides sufficient depth.
"As someone with limited prior physics knowledge, I found the explanations clear enough to follow without feeling lost."
"The course provides an excellent overview for anyone interested in the philosophical implications of modern physics."
"It's a perfect starting point for delving into quantum mechanics and its impact on our perception of reality."
Course encourages deep thinking about reality and science.
"This course truly made me question my understanding of reality, connecting science with profound philosophical ideas."
"I appreciate how it blends the scientific timeline with philosophical questions, providing a holistic view."
"It's not just about physics; it's about how our understanding of matter shapes our worldview."
Instructor makes complex physics and philosophy accessible.
"The instructor has a wonderful way of explaining highly complex ideas clearly and concisely..."
"I found the lectures incredibly engaging; the professor's passion for the subject truly shines through."
"Despite the challenging material, I was always eager for the next lesson because of the teacher's delivery."
Some found pacing challenging, others appreciated the depth.
"While generally excellent, I felt some sections moved a bit quickly given the abstract nature of the concepts."
"I had to re-watch a few lectures to grasp the quantum mechanics concepts, as they were quite dense."
"For those seeking a purely scientific deep dive, the philosophical tangents might feel less essential."

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 Question Reality: Matter with these activities:
Review The Feynman Lectures on Physics
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to physics, including many of the concepts covered in this course.
View The Feynman Lectures on Physics, (w/audio) on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the relevant chapters in the book.
  • Take notes on the important concepts.
  • Review your notes regularly.
Watch video lectures on quantum mechanics
Watching video lectures can help you learn about the basics of quantum mechanics.
Show steps
  • Find a set of video lectures on quantum mechanics.
  • Watch the video lectures.
  • Take notes on the important concepts.
Review Griffiths' Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to quantum mechanics, including many of the concepts covered in this course.
View Introduction to Electrodynamics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the relevant chapters in the book.
  • Take notes on the important concepts.
  • Review your notes regularly.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice quantum mechanics problems
Solving problems can help you solidify your understanding of the concepts of quantum mechanics.
Show steps
  • Find a set of problems to practice.
  • Solve the problems on your own.
  • Check your answers against the solutions.
Do practice problems on quantum mechanics
Doing practice problems can help you solidify your understanding of the concepts of quantum mechanics.
Show steps
  • Find a set of practice problems to work on.
  • Solve the problems on your own.
  • Check your answers against the solutions.
Create a presentation on a quantum mechanics topic
Creating a presentation can help you organize your thoughts and deepen your understanding of the topic.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic to present on.
  • Research the topic.
  • Create a presentation.
  • Practice your presentation.
  • Deliver your presentation.
Write a paper on a quantum mechanics topic
Writing a paper can help you organize your thoughts and deepen your understanding of the topic.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic to write about.
  • Research the topic.
  • Write an outline.
  • Write the paper.
  • Proofread the paper.

Career center

Learners who complete Question Reality: Matter will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Scientific Researcher
Scientific Researchers design and carry out scientific research projects to increase our understanding about the physical world and natural phenomena. They may specialize in subfields like quantum mechanics or particle physics, which are covered in Question Reality: Matter. This course helps build a foundation to think critically about questions in these fields and will introduce learners to current technologies and techniques. It can be especially useful for Scientific Researchers who want to understand the evolution of these fields or stay updated with new discoveries.
See salaries and explore the career path for Scientific Researcher
University Professor
University Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. Many specialize in a particular field of science, like quantum mechanics or particle physics. Question Reality: Matter may be helpful for University Professors as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of these fields. This background knowledge can be useful for designing coursework or conducting research.
See salaries and explore the career path for University Professor
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific and technical information to the general public. They may specialize in a particular field, such as physics or quantum mechanics. Question Reality: Matter can be a valuable resource for Science Writers, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in these fields. This knowledge can help Science Writers to accurately and effectively convey scientific information to a non-specialist audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
High School Physics Teacher
High School Physics Teachers develop and deliver lesson plans and teach physics to high school students. They may specialize in a particular area of physics, such as quantum mechanics or particle physics. Question Reality: Matter can be useful for High School Physics Teachers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of these fields. This knowledge can help High School Physics Teachers to effectively introduce these complex topics to their students.
See salaries and explore the career path for High School Physics Teacher
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct scientific research and experiments to develop new knowledge or products. They may specialize in a particular field, such as quantum mechanics or particle physics. Question Reality: Matter can be useful for Research Scientists, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of these fields. This knowledge can help Research Scientists to develop new research questions and design effective experiments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documentation for a variety of products and services. They may specialize in a particular field, such as software documentation or scientific writing. Question Reality: Matter can be useful for Technical Writers who specialize in scientific writing, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in physics and quantum mechanics. This knowledge can help Technical Writers to accurately and effectively convey complex scientific information to a non-specialist audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Science Editor
Science Editors review and edit scientific manuscripts for publication in journals and other scientific publications. They may specialize in a particular field of science, such as physics or quantum mechanics. Question Reality: Matter can be useful for Science Editors who specialize in physics or quantum mechanics, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in these fields. This knowledge can help Science Editors to effectively evaluate and edit scientific manuscripts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Editor
Museum curator
Museum Curators plan and manage exhibitions, conduct research, and care for collections of artifacts and specimens. They may specialize in a particular field, such as science or history. Question Reality: Matter can be useful for Museum Curators who specialize in science, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in physics and quantum mechanics. This knowledge can help Museum Curators to develop engaging and informative exhibitions on these topics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys help inventors to obtain patents for their inventions. They may specialize in a particular field of technology, such as physics or quantum mechanics. Question Reality: Matter can be useful for Patent Attorneys who specialize in physics or quantum mechanics, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in these fields. This knowledge can help Patent Attorneys to effectively evaluate and prosecute patent applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney
Science Policy Analyst
Science Policy Analysts analyze and advise on the development and implementation of science and technology policy. They may specialize in a particular field, such as energy or environmental policy. Question Reality: Matter can be useful for Science Policy Analysts who specialize in energy or environmental policy, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in physics and quantum mechanics. This knowledge can help Science Policy Analysts to effectively develop and evaluate policies related to these fields.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Analyst
Investment Analyst
Investment Analysts evaluate and recommend investments for clients. They may specialize in a particular industry or sector, such as technology or healthcare. Question Reality: Matter may be useful for Investment Analysts who specialize in technology or healthcare, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in physics and quantum mechanics. This knowledge can help Investment Analysts to identify and evaluate emerging technologies and trends.
See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst
Management Consultant
Management Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their performance. They may specialize in a particular area, such as operations or finance. Question Reality: Matter may be useful for Management Consultants who specialize in technology or innovation, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in physics and quantum mechanics. This knowledge can help Management Consultants to identify and evaluate emerging technologies and trends, and to advise businesses on how to leverage these technologies to improve their performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They may specialize in a particular industry or sector, such as technology or healthcare. Question Reality: Matter may be useful for Product Managers who specialize in technology or healthcare, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in physics and quantum mechanics. This knowledge can help Product Managers to identify and evaluate emerging technologies and trends, and to develop and launch new products that meet the needs of customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They may specialize in a particular industry or sector, such as technology or healthcare. Question Reality: Matter may be useful for Entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a business in the technology or healthcare sector, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in physics and quantum mechanics. This knowledge can help Entrepreneurs to identify and evaluate emerging technologies and trends, and to develop and launch new products and services that meet the needs of customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They may specialize in a particular industry or sector, such as finance or healthcare. Question Reality: Matter may be useful for Data Scientists who specialize in technology or healthcare, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, concepts, and current research in physics and quantum mechanics. This knowledge can help Data Scientists to develop and apply new data-driven solutions to business problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Question Reality: Matter.
Cover image
The Sociology of Karl Mannheim (RLE Social Theory)
Save
This classic work from Werner Heisenberg, one of the pioneers of quantum mechanics, and deeply philosophical look at quantum mechanics and the nature of reality.
The Sociology of Karl Mannheim (RLE Social Theory):...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Mind and Matter. --
Save
The Nobel Laureate and one of the pioneers of quantum mechanics gives a philosophical look at physics. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics.
Mind and Matter. --
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Beginning of Infinity
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of our understanding of matter and the universe from the Greeks to the present day. It well-written and engaging book that is suitable for both general readers and students of physics.
The Beginning of Infinity
Paperback
Check
The Beginning of Infinity
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Strange Story of the Quantum
Save
Classic introduction to quantum mechanics that is written in a clear and engaging style. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the basics of quantum mechanics.
The Strange Story of the Quantum
Paperback
$$
The Strange Story of the Quantum Paperback December...
Paperback
$$
Collected Papers Vol.1: Quantum Field Theory and...
Save
Provides a rigorous mathematical introduction to quantum mechanics. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics.
Collected Papers Vol.1: Quantum Field Theory and...
Paperback
Check
Collected Papers Vol.1: Quantum Field Theory and...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur
Save
Provides a clear and accessible introduction to quantum field theory. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject.
Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur
Paperback
$$
Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Dynamics of the Standard Model
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Standard Model of particle physics. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this fundamental theory of nature.
Dynamics of the Standard Model
Paperback
Check
Dynamics of the Standard Model
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
An Introduction To Quantum Field Theory
Save
Provides a comprehensive and rigorous introduction to quantum field theory. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this fundamental theory of nature.
An Introduction To Quantum Field Theory
Paperback
$$$
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory by Michael...
Paperback
$$
Classic English physics textbook series:...
Paperback
$$$$
An Introduction To Quantum Field Theory
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Foundations of Perturbative QCD
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantum chromodynamics. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this fundamental theory of nature.
Foundations of Perturbative QCD
Paperback
Check
Foundations of Perturbative QCD
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
God Particle
Save
Provides a personal and engaging account of the discovery of the Higgs boson. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important scientific discovery.
The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer,...
Paperback
$$
[The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer,...
Unknown Binding
$$
God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer, What...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Dartmouth College
Instructor
Marcelo Gleiser
Language
English
Transcript
Português
This course belongs to a collection called Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Question Reality: Cosmos
  2. Question Reality: Mind
  3. Question Reality: Matter (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces the history of atomic studies, ranging from ancient Greece to contemporary discoveries
Provides an overview of particles, subatomic particles, and the Large Hadron Collider
Delves into essential concepts of quantum mechanics and its impact on how we perceive reality
Raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of existence, the knowable, and the limits of our understanding
Marcelo Gleiser, a renowned theoretical physicist, serves as the course instructor
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