From the Big Bang to Dark Energy
Hitoshi Murayama
This course will cover various topics on the discoveries about how the Universe evolved in 13.7 billion years since the Big Bang.

Workload: 5-6 hours/week
Taught In: English
Subtitles Available In: English


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About the Course
We have learned a lot recently about how the Universe evolved in 13.7 billion years since the Big Bang. More than 80% of matter in the Universe is mysterious Dark Matter, which made stars and galaxies to form. The newly discovered Higgs-boson became frozen into the Universe a trillionth of a second after the Big Bang and brought order to the Universe. Yet we still do not know how ordinary matter (atoms) survived against total annihilation by Anti-Matter. The expansion of the Universe started acceleration about 7 billion years ago and the Universe is being ripped apart. The culprit is Dark Energy, a mysterious energy multiplying in vacuum. I will present evidence behind these startling discoveries and discuss what we may learn in the near future.
Course Syllabus
Week 1: From Daily Life to the Big Bang

Week 2: Birth of Elements and Higgs Boson

Week 3: Dark Matter and Anti-Matter

Week 4: Inflation and Dark Energy

Recommended Background
In some parts, basic calculus and high school level basic physics
knowledge are required to fully understand the course content.

Course Format
The class consists of lecture videos, which are approximately 10 to 15 minutes
in length, and are between 90 to 120 minutes in total for each week.
There will also be standalone homework assignments that are not part
of the video lectures, and a (not optional) final exam.
FAQ
Will I get a Statement of Accomplishment after completing this class? Yes. Students who successfully complete the class will receive a Statement of Accomplishment signed by the instructor.