Understanding Einstein: Special Theory of Relativity
Explore Einstein's special theory of relativity, its concepts, predictions, and paradoxes in this Stanford course.
Explore Einstein's special theory of relativity, its concepts, predictions, and paradoxes in this Stanford course.
This course delves into Einstein's special theory of relativity, focusing on the groundbreaking ideas introduced in his "miracle year" of 1905. Led by Dr. Larry Lagerstrom, Director of Academic Programs at Stanford University's Center for Professional Development, the course aims to provide a deeper understanding of both Einstein as a person and the complex concepts of his theory. Students will explore the nature of Einstein's genius, the meaning of relativity, and its special aspects. The course addresses intriguing questions such as the possibility of time travel, the reason behind the speed of light limit, and the evidence confirming the theory. Through a comprehensive curriculum, learners will gain insights into the development of Einstein's ideas, the initial reception of the theory, and its profound implications for our understanding of time, space, and the universe.
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What you'll learn
Understand the historical context and development of Einstein's special theory of relativity
Grasp the fundamental concepts of special relativity, including time dilation and length contraction
Analyze and interpret spacetime diagrams
Explore the implications of the theory, such as the relativity of simultaneity and the ultimate speed limit
Apply relativistic calculations to real-world scenarios
Examine famous paradoxes in special relativity and their resolutions
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
16.1 Hours PreRecorded video
58 assignments
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There are 8 modules in this course
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Einstein's special theory of relativity. It covers the historical context, fundamental concepts, and implications of the theory. Students will learn about the nature of light, reference frames, time dilation, length contraction, and the famous E=mc² equation. The course also addresses paradoxes in special relativity and touches on the transition to general relativity. Through a mix of lectures, problem sets, and quizzes, learners will gain a deep understanding of this revolutionary theory and its impact on our view of the universe.
Introduction to the Course, and Einstein in Context
Module 1 · 4 Hours to complete
Events, Clocks, and Reference Frames
Module 2 · 11 Hours to complete
Ethereal Problems and Solutions
Module 3 · 10 Hours to complete
The Weirdness Begins
Module 4 · 12 Hours to complete
Spacetime Switches
Module 5 · 13 Hours to complete
Breaking the Spacetime Speed Limit
Module 6 · 10 Hours to complete
Paradoxes to Ponder
Module 7 · 8 Hours to complete
To the Center of the Galaxy and Back
Module 8 · 9 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
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Instructor
Leading Historian of Science and Academic Director at Stanford University
Larry Lagerstrom serves as the Academic Director and historian of science at Stanford University, where he brings a wealth of knowledge from his Ph.D. in history and M.A. in physics, both obtained from the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to his tenure at Stanford, he dedicated sixteen years to teaching at U.C. Berkeley and U.C. Davis, covering a broad spectrum of topics including the history of science, technology, computer science, and engineering. His commitment to education has been recognized with three awards for excellence in teaching, reflecting his passion for engaging students in the complexities of scientific history.
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4.9 course rating
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