What is dark matter and how does it affect galaxies?

Dark matter is an invisible substance making up most of the Universe's mass. This course examines its role in forming stars and galaxies, based on current research.

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From the Big Bang to Dark Energy

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From the Big Bang to Dark Energy

Instructor: Hitoshi Murayama

109,336 already enrolled

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

3,675 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

96%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

3,675 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

96%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Explain cosmic origins using modern physics findings.
Understand element formation and the Higgs Boson's role.
Describe dark matter, anti-matter, and their cosmic impact.
Analyze dark energy, inflation, and Universe's future.

Skills you'll gain

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Assessments

45 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

This course explores the Universe's evolution over 13.8 billion years, from the Big Bang to dark energy. Understand the evidence behind discoveries like Dark Matter, the Higgs Boson, and the accelerating expansion driven by dark energy.

This course is for anyone curious about modern physics and cosmic mysteries. By the end, you will be able to: - Explain the Universe's origins and evolution. - Describe the roles of Dark Matter and Dark Energy. - Understand the Higgs Boson's significance in matter formation. - Discuss the Universe's possible future. No prior physics or science background is required, just a curiosity about the cosmos. This course is offered in English.

This module connects daily experiences like night and day to understanding the Universe. You will journey from Earth to the cosmos' edge, learning modern physics techniques and findings. By the end, you will explain how physics helps us understand cosmic origins. Approach this module by relating concepts to your observations.

What's included

12 videos3 readings14 assignments

12 videos Total 95 minutes

Course Preview 2 minutes
Introduction 9 minutes
1-1 Night and Day, and Four Seasons 10 minutes
1-2 Revolution of the Earth 6 minutes
1-3 Why Elliptic? 9 minutes
1-4 Why Does Everything Fall the Same Way? 9 minutes
1-5 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past I 14 minutes
1-6 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past II 6 minutes
1-7 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past III 7 minutes
1-8 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past IV 9 minutes
1-9 Beginning of the Universe Look Far into the Past V 10 minutes
1-10 Cosmic Expansion 6 minutes

3 readings Total 30 minutes

Course Description 10 minutes
Syllabus 10 minutes
About Optional Challenge Problems 10 minutes

14 assignments Total 420 minutes

Practice Quiz 1-1 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-2 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-3 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-4 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-5 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-6 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-7 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-8 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-9 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1-10 30 minutes
Graded Quiz 1-1 30 minutes
Graded Quiz 1-2 30 minutes
Graded Quiz 1-3 30 minutes
Optional Challenge Problem 1 30 minutes

You will explore the origin of chemical elements and their connection to the Higgs Boson. This module covers the particle's discovery and its significance in understanding matter. By the end, you will explain how elements formed and the Higgs Boson's role. Focus on the historical context of discoveries.

What's included

9 videos11 assignments

9 videos Total 97 minutes

2-1 Birth of Elements I 6 minutes
2-2 Birth of Elements II 11 minutes
2-3 Birth of Elements III 6 minutes
2-4 Birth of Elements IV 10 minutes
2-5 Birth of Elements V 14 minutes
2-6 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe I 8 minutes
2-7 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe II 14 minutes
2-8 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe III 16 minutes
2-9 Higgs Boson Frozen into the Universe IV 13 minutes

11 assignments Total 330 minutes

Practice Quiz 2-1 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-2 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-3 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-4 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-5 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-6 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-7 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-8 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2-9 30 minutes
Graded Quiz 2-1 30 minutes
Graded Quiz 2-2 30 minutes

You will learn about dark matter and anti-matter, two mysterious aspects of the Universe. This module covers dark matter's role in galaxy formation and the puzzle of matter's survival over anti-matter. By the end, you will describe the properties of dark matter and the matter-anti-matter asymmetry. Consider the implications of these cosmic mysteries.

What's included

8 videos1 reading11 assignments

8 videos Total 83 minutes

3-1 Power Spectrum 11 minutes
3-2 Dark Matter I 6 minutes
3-3 Dark Matter II 10 minutes
3-4 Nature of Dark Matter I 10 minutes
3-5 Nature of Dark Matter II 9 minutes
3-6 Neutrinos and Anti-Matter I 13 minutes
3-7 Neutrinos and Anti-Matter II 13 minutes
3-8 Neutrinos and Anti-Matter III 10 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

About Optional Challenge Problems 10 minutes

11 assignments Total 330 minutes

Practice Quiz 3-1 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-2 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-3 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-4 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-5 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-6 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-7 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3-8 30 minutes
Graded Quiz 3-1 30 minutes
Graded Quiz 3-2 30 minutes
Optional Challenge Problem 2 30 minutes

You will learn about cosmic inflation, dark energy, and the Universe's possible fates. This module covers the early exponential expansion and the current accelerating expansion driven by dark energy. By the end, you will explain inflation, dark energy's effects, and predict cosmic futures. Focus on the evidence supporting these theories.

What's included

17 videos1 reading9 assignments

17 videos Total 216 minutes

4-1 Inflation and Uncertainty Principle I (Inflation) 15 minutes
4-2 Inflation and Uncertainty Principle II (Uncertainty Principle I ) 12 minutes
4-3 Inflation and Uncertainty Principle III (Uncertainty Principle II ) 10 minutes
4-4 Fate of the Universe 6 minutes
4-5 Dark Energy 9 minutes
4-6 Big Rip 7 minutes
4-7 Future Observations 12 minutes
4-8 Wrap-up 6 minutes
Extra Lecture 1 Theoretical Discovery of Higgs Boson 9 minutes
Extra Lecture 2-1 Discovery of Neutrino Oscillations and Neutrino Mass I 13 minutes
Extra Lecture 2-2 Discovery of Neutrino Oscillations and Neutrino Mass II 12 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-1 Discovery of Gravitational Waves I 8 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-2 Discovery of Gravitational Waves II 12 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-3 Discovery of Gravitational Waves III 11 minutes
Extra Lecture 3-4 Discovery of Gravitational Waves IV 5 minutes
Extra Lecture 4-1 Theoretical Foundation of Black Hole 34 minutes
Extra Lecture 4-2 Observational Evidence of Black Hole 36 minutes

1 reading Total 1 minute

Introduction 1 minute

9 assignments Total 270 minutes

Practice Quiz 4-1 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-2 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-3 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-4 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-5 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-6 30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4-7 30 minutes
Graded Quiz 4-1 30 minutes
Graded Quiz 4-2 30 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(867 ratings)

Hitoshi Murayama

The University of Tokyo

1 Course 109,336 learners

Offered by

The University of Tokyo

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Reviewed on Jan 1, 2017

Maybe the best course I have taken so far. Very interesting subject great professor and perfect distribution of content. Would like to see another course by professor Murayama in the future.

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2023

A very fun yet educational course. I love the layout were you watch 1 short video and then take a short quiz. Personally, it helped keep my attention and overall help me in learning this subject.

Reviewed on May 24, 2017

Engaging whirlwind tour of some big questions in cosmology and high-energy physics. The instructor's wry humor adds a special twist to an informative summary of the state of play as of 2015 or so,

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Frequently asked questions

Dark energy is a mysterious force causing the Universe's accelerating expansion. This course explains its evidence and impact on cosmic evolution.

The Big Bang theory describes the Universe's origin. This course covers the scientific findings and physics techniques that support this understanding.

The Higgs Boson is a fundamental particle that gives other particles mass. Its discovery is crucial for understanding the birth of elements and the structure of matter in science.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.