We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Brian Schmidt
and
Paul Francis
Despite spectacular recent progress, there is still a lot we don't know about our universe. We don't know why the Big Bang happened. We don't know what most of the universe is made of. We don't know whether there is life in space. We don't know how planets form, how black holes get so big, or where the first stars have gone. This course will take you through nine of the greatest unsolved problems of modern astrophysics. We can't promise you the answers, but we will explain what we do and don't know, and give you an up-to-date understanding of current research. This course is designed for people who would like to get a deeper understanding of these mysteries than that offered by popular science articles and shows.
Read more
Despite spectacular recent progress, there is still a lot we don't know about our universe. We don't know why the Big Bang happened. We don't know what most of the universe is made of. We don't know whether there is life in space. We don't know how planets form, how black holes get so big, or where the first stars have gone. This course will take you through nine of the greatest unsolved problems of modern astrophysics. We can't promise you the answers, but we will explain what we do and don't know, and give you an up-to-date understanding of current research. This course is designed for people who would like to get a deeper understanding of these mysteries than that offered by popular science articles and shows.
Read more
Despite spectacular recent progress, there is still a lot we don't know about our universe. We don't know why the Big Bang happened. We don't know what most of the universe is made of. We don't know whether there is life in space. We don't know how planets form, how black holes get so big, or where the first stars have gone. This course will take you through nine of the greatest unsolved problems of modern astrophysics. We can't promise you the answers, but we will explain what we do and don't know, and give you an up-to-date understanding of current research. This course is designed for people who would like to get a deeper understanding of these mysteries than that offered by popular science articles and shows.
This is the first of four ANUx courses which together make up the Australian National University's first year astrophysics program. It is followed by courses on exoplanets, on the violent universe, and on cosmology. These courses compromise the Astrophysics XSeries. Learn more about the XSeries program and register for all the courses in the series today!
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/tw5j85/greatest
What's inside
Learning objectives
- An understanding of the biggest unsolved mysteries in modern astrophysics
- An appreciation of why these problems are so difficult
- How astrophysicists are attempting to answer them, and the clues that have been identified so far
- An understanding of the biggest unsolved mysteries in modern astrophysics
- An appreciation of why these problems are so difficult
- How astrophysicists are attempting to answer them, and the clues that have been identified so far
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Presents a solid foundation for intermediate learners in astrophysics
Taught by renowned astrophysicists Brian Schmidt and Paul Francis
Examines fundamental concepts in astrophysics, providing a comprehensive overview
Course is part of a larger Astrophysics XSeries, offering a structured learning path
Explores cutting-edge research and unsolved mysteries in astrophysics
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Engaging look at space mysteries
According to learners, this course offers an engaging look at the greatest unsolved mysteries in astrophysics. Many find the explanations clear and easy to grasp, even for complex topics like dark matter and dark energy. The instructor's passion is infectious, making the lectures enjoyable. The course strikes a good balance, being more detailed than popular science but not requiring advanced physics knowledge, making it ideal for educated laypersons. However, some learners seeking more rigor or depth felt it was too much like a documentary and lacked detail on methods or theory. A few wished for more graded assessments or interactive elements to test understanding and suggested more resources for further reading. Overall, it's seen as an excellent first step into the subject and the ANUx XSeries.
Level is good for laypersons, too shallow for some.
"Expected more rigor. It felt too much like a popular science show..."
"Not enough detail on the actual experimental methods or theoretical frameworks used to tackle these problems."
"This course strikes a great balance - it's more detailed than a documentary but doesn't require a university physics degree."
"Good if you just want to listen, maybe less so if you want to actively learn and test yourself."
Serves as a good introductory course.
"Excellent first course in the ANUx series. It sets the stage perfectly for the subsequent courses."
"This is the first of four ANUx courses which together make up the Australian National University's first year astrophysics program."
Complex topics made understandable for many.
"Prof. Schmidt explains complex topics like dark matter and dark energy in a way that's easy to grasp..."
"The lectures are clear, and the topics chosen are genuinely the 'greatest mysteries'."
"The explanations were mostly clear. I did find the pace a bit uneven in places..."
"Explanations were clear and concise. I appreciate how complex ideas were broken down."
Fascinating subjects covered with passion.
"Absolutely fantastic course! Prof. Schmidt explains complex topics..."
"Loved this course! It covers fascinating subjects like the Big Bang and the search for extraterrestrial life. The instructor's passion for the subject is infectious."
"genuinely the 'greatest mysteries'. If you enjoyed this, definitely consider continuing with the XSeries."
More suggestions for deeper study needed.
"I wish there were more resources for further reading listed after each module, as I wanted to dive deeper into a couple of areas."
Could benefit from quizzes or assignments.
"I also found the lack of graded assignments or quizzes made it harder to gauge my understanding."
"It feels more like a series of informative talks than a structured course."
"Would be better with some interactive elements or practice problems, but the core content is strong."
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 Greatest Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe with these
activities:
Review astrophysics concepts
Show steps
This review will help you recall prior knowledge, fill in knowledge gaps, and refresh your understanding of astrophysical concepts, giving you a stronger foundation for learning in this course.
Browse courses on
Astrophysics
Show steps
-
Review notes and textbooks from previous courses
-
Solve practice problems
-
Attend a refresher workshop or online course
Read 'An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics' by Carroll and Ostlie
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of astrophysics, covering key concepts, theories, and unsolved problems, supplementing your understanding gained from the course.
View
An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the assigned chapters
-
Take notes and highlight important concepts
-
Complete end-of-chapter exercises
Solve astrophysics practice problems
Show steps
Regular practice with problem-solving will reinforce your understanding, improve your analytical skills, and build confidence in applying astrophysics concepts.
Browse courses on
Astrophysics
Show steps
-
Obtain practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or instructors
-
Allocate dedicated time for problem-solving
-
Attempt to solve problems independently
-
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow tutorials on astrophysics visualization software
Show steps
These tutorials will introduce you to the use of visualization tools commonly used in astrophysics, enhancing your ability to analyze and interpret data.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Identify relevant astrophysics visualization software
-
Locate tutorials or online courses for the software
-
Follow the tutorials and complete exercises
-
Apply the software to analyze sample astrophysics datasets
Participate in astrophysics workshops or hackathons
Show steps
Workshops and hackathons offer immersive experiences to engage actively with astrophysics concepts, collaborate with peers, and develop practical skills.
Browse courses on
Astrophysics
Show steps
-
Identify relevant workshops or hackathons
-
Register and attend the events
-
Participate actively and collaborate with others
Attend astrophysics conferences or meetups
Show steps
Engagement with the astrophysics community through conferences or meetups will connect you with professionals, facilitate knowledge exchange, and broaden your perspectives.
Browse courses on
Astrophysics
Show steps
-
Research upcoming astrophysics events
-
Register and attend the events
-
Network with attendees
Develop a presentation on an unsolved astrophysics problem
Show steps
Creating a presentation will allow you to delve deeper into an unsolved astrophysics problem, improve your understanding, and practice communicating complex scientific concepts.
Browse courses on
Presentation Skills
Show steps
-
Choose an unsolved astrophysics problem
-
Research and gather information
-
Develop a presentation outline
-
Create visuals and slides
-
Practice and deliver the presentation
Review astrophysics concepts
Show steps
This review will help you recall prior knowledge, fill in knowledge gaps, and refresh your understanding of astrophysical concepts, giving you a stronger foundation for learning in this course.
Browse courses on
Astrophysics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes and textbooks from previous courses
- Solve practice problems
- Attend a refresher workshop or online course
Read 'An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics' by Carroll and Ostlie
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of astrophysics, covering key concepts, theories, and unsolved problems, supplementing your understanding gained from the course.
View
An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the assigned chapters
- Take notes and highlight important concepts
- Complete end-of-chapter exercises
Solve astrophysics practice problems
Show steps
Regular practice with problem-solving will reinforce your understanding, improve your analytical skills, and build confidence in applying astrophysics concepts.
Browse courses on
Astrophysics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or instructors
- Allocate dedicated time for problem-solving
- Attempt to solve problems independently
- Review solutions and identify areas for improvement
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow tutorials on astrophysics visualization software
Show steps
These tutorials will introduce you to the use of visualization tools commonly used in astrophysics, enhancing your ability to analyze and interpret data.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant astrophysics visualization software
- Locate tutorials or online courses for the software
- Follow the tutorials and complete exercises
- Apply the software to analyze sample astrophysics datasets
Participate in astrophysics workshops or hackathons
Show steps
Workshops and hackathons offer immersive experiences to engage actively with astrophysics concepts, collaborate with peers, and develop practical skills.
Browse courses on
Astrophysics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant workshops or hackathons
- Register and attend the events
- Participate actively and collaborate with others
Attend astrophysics conferences or meetups
Show steps
Engagement with the astrophysics community through conferences or meetups will connect you with professionals, facilitate knowledge exchange, and broaden your perspectives.
Browse courses on
Astrophysics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming astrophysics events
- Register and attend the events
- Network with attendees
Develop a presentation on an unsolved astrophysics problem
Show steps
Creating a presentation will allow you to delve deeper into an unsolved astrophysics problem, improve your understanding, and practice communicating complex scientific concepts.
Browse courses on
Presentation Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an unsolved astrophysics problem
- Research and gather information
- Develop a presentation outline
- Create visuals and slides
- Practice and deliver the presentation
Career center
Learners who complete Greatest Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicist
An Astrophysicist is responsible for research into the Universe, on the largest scales. They study everything from the formation of stars to the evolution of galaxies. A background in the greatest mysteries in the universe, especially if it is a background from a university of such high standing as Australian National University, will make you more competitive in this field. The topics covered in this class will give you a foundation in the major areas of study in the field.
Astronomer
Astronomer
An Astronomer observes and investigates celestial objects and uses mathematical models to interpret data. The observations are used to build up a body of knowledge about the universe and to investigate competing theories about its origin and evolution. This degree will give you a strong foundation in the key topics studied by Astronomers.
Cosmologist
Cosmologist
A Cosmologist seeks to answer some of the fundamental questions in physics, such as: 'How did the Universe begin?' and 'What is its ultimate fate?'. They investigate the origin and evolution of the universe as a whole, and the large-scale structures within it. A course on the greatest unsolved mysteries in the universe is directly applicable to this role.
Astrobiologist
Astrobiologist
An Astrobiologist studies the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. This includes searching for life on other planets and studying the conditions that make life possible. Many of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the universe directly relate to Astrobiology. This course can help you understand more about the underlying questions guiding the field.
Spacecraft Operator
Spacecraft Operator
A Spacecraft Operator controls and monitors spacecraft and their onboard systems. This may include operating the spacecraft's engines, attitude control system, and communications systems. This course may be helpful in understanding the broader context of the spacecraft's mission.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They work on a variety of projects, from designing new aircraft to developing new technologies for space exploration. This course can help inform your broader perspective of the field and the kinds of projects that Aerospace Engineers work on in the service of solving some of the mysteries of the universe.
Science Writer
Science Writer
A Science Writer communicates complex scientific concepts to a general audience. They write for a variety of publications, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course can help build your background in this field so you can more easily later communicate about the unsolved mysteries of the universe.
Math Teacher
Math Teacher
A Math Teacher educates students in the field of mathematics. They teach a variety of math concepts, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus. This course may be helpful in developing your skills in teaching about advanced mathematical concepts that relate to the unsolved mysteries of the universe.
Physics Teacher
Physics Teacher
A Physics Teacher educates students in the field of physics. They teach a variety of physics concepts, from basic mechanics to advanced quantum mechanics. This course may be helpful in developing your skills in teaching about advanced physics concepts that relate to the unsolved mysteries of the universe.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
A Computer Programmer writes and tests code that instructs computers to perform specific tasks. They work on a variety of projects, from developing software for businesses to creating video games. This course may be helpful in learning additional skills that will support you in your work as a Computer Programmer in the field of astrophysics.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, processes, and analyzes data to identify trends and patterns. They work on a variety of projects, from analyzing customer data to predicting sales trends. This course may be helpful in developing your skills in analyzing data that relates to the unsolved mysteries of the universe.
Science Communicator
Science Communicator
A Science Communicator disseminates scientific information to the public. They work for a variety of organizations, including museums, science centers, and universities. This course may be helpful in developing your communication skills.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They work for a variety of organizations, including software companies, manufacturing companies, and government agencies. This course may be helpful in developing your writing skills in this field.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorney
A Patent Attorney helps inventors obtain patents for their inventions. They work with inventors to prepare and file patent applications, and they represent inventors in patent infringement lawsuits. This course may be helpful in developing your understanding of the legal framework around scientific discoveries.
Science Policy Analyst
Science Policy Analyst
A Science Policy Analyst develops and analyzes policies that affect science and technology. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, think tanks, and universities. This course may be helpful in developing your understanding of the role of science policy.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tw5j85/greatest
Reading list
We've selected 44 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
Greatest Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe.
Save
Is considered the classic reference on the large-scale structure of the universe. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Is considered the go-to reference for exoplanetary atmospheres. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
This comprehensive encyclopedia covers all aspects of astronomy and astrophysics. It would be a valuable reference for anyone interested in this field.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of astronomy and astrophysics. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the universe as a whole.
This classic book by Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg provides a comprehensive overview of the Big Bang theory and the early universe. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Classic textbook on the physics of the interstellar medium. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of astrobiology. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
This atlas provides a detailed overview of the night sky and its contents. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in astronomy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern cosmology, covering topics such as the Big Bang, dark matter, and dark energy. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of cosmology.
Save
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the laws of physics. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the most fundamental questions in physics.
Save
Provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the laws of physics. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the most fundamental questions in physics.
Is written by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and great resource for understanding the basics of modern astrophysics. It would be a helpful supplement to this course.
Popular science book by renowned cosmologist Joseph Silk. It provides an overview of the formation and evolution of galaxies and other large-scale structures in the universe. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides an overview of the latest research on dark matter and dark energy, two of the most mysterious and important topics in modern astrophysics. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about these topics.
Widely used textbook on the comparative study of planetary systems. It would be a helpful resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Popular science book by Nobel laureate Kip Thorne. It provides an accessible introduction to black holes and spacetime. It would be a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about these topics.
Save
Explores the concept of habitability and the potential for life to exist beyond Earth. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Save
Explores the latest scientific discoveries about the origin and evolution of life in the universe. It would be a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Save
Provides a popular account of quantum mechanics. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the most fundamental questions in physics.
Save
Provides a popular account of the multiverse and other theories that attempt to explain the nature of reality. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the most fundamental questions in physics.
Save
Provides a popular account of cosmology and the nature of reality. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the most fundamental questions in physics.
Save
Provides a popular account of cosmology and the nature of reality. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the most fundamental questions in physics.
Save
Provides a popular account of cosmology and the nature of reality. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the most fundamental questions in physics.
This textbook widely-used resource for introductory astrophysics. It could be used to gain helpful background knowledge for this course.
Provides a popular account of the nature of reality. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the most fundamental questions in physics.
Save
Provides a popular account of quantum mechanics. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the most fundamental questions in physics.
Save
Popular science book that explores the possible futures of humanity in space. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the latest ideas in cosmology and futurism.
This popular science book provides a whirlwind tour of the universe, from the Big Bang to the search for extraterrestrial life. It great way for non-scientists to learn about the latest discoveries in astrophysics.
Popular science book that argues against the existence of God. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the latest ideas in cosmology and the nature of reality.
Save
Popular science book that explores the possibility of parallel universes and other dimensions. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the latest ideas in cosmology.
Save
Science fiction novel that explores the fundamental questions of physics and the nature of reality. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the latest ideas in cosmology and futurism.
Save
Popular science book that explores the possible futures of humanity. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the latest ideas in cosmology and futurism.
Save
Explores the implications of string theory for our understanding of the universe. It challenging but rewarding read for anyone who is interested in the nature of reality.
Save
Tells the story of the rivalry between Leonard Susskind and Stephen Hawking over the nature of black holes. It fascinating glimpse into the world of theoretical physics.
Explores the nature of space, time, and reality. It beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in the big questions.
Save
Provides a clear and concise overview of string theory. It great starting point for students who are interested in learning more about this fascinating subject.
Save
Explores the possibility of parallel universes. It thought-provoking and imaginative book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in the nature of reality.
Save
This science fiction trilogy tells the story of the first human settlement on Mars. It thought-provoking and imaginative book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in the future of space exploration.
This science fiction novel tells the story of an astronaut who is stranded on Mars. It thrilling and suspenseful book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in space exploration.
Explores the possibility that the universe hologram. It challenging but rewarding read for anyone who is interested in the nature of reality.
Explores the anthropic cosmological principle, which states that the universe must be fine-tuned for life to exist. It controversial but thought-provoking book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in the nature of the universe.
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the challenges and opportunities of sending humans to Mars. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the future of space exploration.
Makes the case for sending humans to Mars. It passionate and persuasive book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in the future of space exploration.
Save
This science fiction novel tells the story of the first human settlement on Mars. It complex and nuanced book that explores the challenges and opportunities of living on another planet.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tw5j85/greatest
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.6
Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 9 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
Australian National University
Instructors
Brian Schmidt
Paul Francis
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Astrophysics. It's comprised of four courses:
- Astrophysics: The Violent Universe
- Astrophysics: Cosmology
- Astrophysics: Exploring Exoplanets
- Greatest Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe (viewing)
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser