From the Big Bang to Dark Energy

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/big-bang

Introduction

### Course Review: From the Big Bang to Dark Energy The mysteries of the universe have captivated humanity for centuries, and now, thanks to modern physics, we have more answers than ever before. "From the Big Bang to Dark Energy" is an enlightening course offered on Coursera that delves into the origins, evolution, and fate of the universe. The course boasts an impressive curriculum that not only explains complex cosmic phenomena but also connects them to our daily lives. #### Course Overview Spanning 13.8 billion years, the course takes students on a journey from the moment of the Big Bang to the enigmatic concepts of dark energy and dark matter. Participants will explore fundamental questions about the universe's composition, including the role of the Higgs boson in shaping our reality, the nature of dark matter, and the puzzling survival of ordinary matter. With its user-friendly approach, the course is designed to be accessible to learners with various backgrounds in science. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **From Daily Life to the Big Bang** - This module brilliantly anchors cosmic concepts in our everyday experiences. Beginning with the basics—like the cycles of day and night—students are led on a fascinating journey through time and space, unveiling how these observations inform our understanding of the broader universe. The module successfully demystifies complicated ideas, making them relatable and easier to grasp. 2. **Birth of Elements and the Higgs Boson** - Here, the course dives into one of the most profound scientific inquiries: the origins of the chemical elements that constitute life. The Higgs boson's discovery in 2012 is explained in a compelling manner, illustrating its critical role in the universe's formation. This section is particularly engaging, as it combines recent research findings with big-picture thinking about existence itself. 3. **Dark Matter and Anti-Matter** - Perhaps the most mysterious aspects of modern astrophysics, dark matter and anti-matter are explored thoroughly. Students will learn how dark matter influences the structure of the universe while grappling with the paradox of anti-matter. This module balances theory with ongoing research, providing a glimpse into the current scientific discourse surrounding these elusive topics. 4. **Inflation and Dark Energy** - The course culminates with theories about cosmic inflation and the current understanding of dark energy, which is theorized to be driving the accelerated expansion of the universe. This module offers thought-provoking insights into the potential fates of our universe, igniting curiosity about what lies beyond our current knowledge. #### Personal Experience and Recommendation Having completed this course, I can confidently recommend it to anyone interested in astrophysics, cosmology, or simply seeking to expand their understanding of the universe. The course's content is presented in a clear and engaging manner, rich with visual aids and practical examples that enhance comprehension. The instructors are knowledgeable and passionate, fostering an environment of inquiry and exploration. The course is suitable for learners at all levels, whether you’re a curious newcomer or someone with a background in science wanting to brush up on contemporary concepts. The flexibility of Coursera’s platform means you can engage with the material at your own pace, making it manageable for busy schedules. In conclusion, "From the Big Bang to Dark Energy" is not just a course; it's an invitation to ponder the very fabric of existence. It enlightens us on the mysteries of the cosmos while reminding us that our understanding is still evolving. Don't miss the chance to embark on this enlightening journey; your curiosity will thank you!

Syllabus

From Daily Life to the Big Bang

Understanding the Universe in which we live and how to probe it can begin with simple daily life experiences such as night and day and the four seasons. Starting from these observations, we will take a journey from our local Earth at the present time all the way to the edge of the universe and back to its birth, learning the techniques and findings in modern physics that provide us this understanding.

We are made of chemical elements. So one of the fundamental questions “where do we come from?” leads to another question: “how were elements born?”. This is related to the Higgs Boson, an important particle in answering this question which remained elusive until its discovery was recently announced on July 4, 2012. In this module, we will learn recent research outcomes on these topics.

In this module, we will learn about dark matter and anti-matter -- some of the more mysterious sides of the Universe. We know dark matter played an important role in the formation of stars and galaxies, but much of properties are still unknown to us. In another strange mystery, we will see how the beginning of the universe started with equal amounts of matter and anti-matter, yet somehow only matter (which we are composed of!) survived.

At the very beginning, the Universe exponentially expanded during a period known as the cosmic inflation. Recent studies suggested that the Universe has entered into another stage of expansion, considered to be caused by 'mysterious' dark energy. In this module, we will learn about inflation, dark energy, and the possible fates of our Universe.