Beauty, Form & Function: An Exploration of Symmetry
Discover the fundamental principles of symmetry across nature, art, and science through an interdisciplinary exploration of patterns and structure.
Discover the fundamental principles of symmetry across nature, art, and science through an interdisciplinary exploration of patterns and structure.
This comprehensive course explores symmetry as a universal principle, examining its role in nature, art, architecture, and crystallography. Students learn through field exercises and expert insights from botanists, artists, historians, and scientists. The curriculum progresses from basic concepts to advanced applications in crystalline structures, combining theoretical understanding with practical observations.
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What you'll learn
Understand fundamental symmetry concepts
Analyze patterns in nature and art
Master mathematical symmetry descriptors
Explore crystallographic principles
Investigate Islamic geometric designs
Apply symmetry analysis to real-world examples
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
435 Minutes PreRecorded video
2 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Batch access
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There are 8 modules in this course
This interdisciplinary course examines symmetry through eight comprehensive modules, from basic concepts to advanced crystallographic applications. Starting with symmetry in everyday objects, the curriculum progresses through botanical patterns, architectural designs, and crystal structures. The course features expert perspectives and hands-on field exercises.
Concepts in Symmetry I
Module 1 · 3 Hours to complete
Concepts in Symmetry II
Module 2 · 45 Minutes to complete
Concepts in Symmetry III
Module 3 · 55 Minutes to complete
Concepts in Symmetry IV
Module 4 · 4 Hours to complete
Plane and Space Symmetry I
Module 5 · 35 Minutes to complete
Plane and Space Symmetry II
Module 6 · 53 Minutes to complete
Plane and Space Symmetry III
Module 7 · 1 Hours to complete
Plane and Space Symmetry IV
Module 8 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructors
Professor of Materials Science
Tim White is a Professor of Materials Science at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, specializing in crystallography, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. His research spans mineralogy, clean energy materials, environmental remediation, nuclear waste disposal, and catalysis, utilizing advanced synchrotron X-ray and neutron scattering techniques to study atomic-scale symmetry. He pioneered the OMNI suite for materials scientists, which evolved into MyScope, a national blended learning curriculum for microscopy and imaging. Tim also developed the comprehensive online course "Beauty, Form and Function: An Exploration of Symmetry," reflecting his commitment to innovative education.
Project Officer & Course Manager
Jiang Shuo is the Project Officer for the Technology Enhanced Master Degree in Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Collaborating with the Parmenides Foundation in Munich, Jiang assists Professor Tim White and manages the MOOC course "An Exploration of Symmetry" on Coursera as both instructor and course manager. Jiang holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Engineering & Media, combining engineering, IT, communication, multimedia, and arts design. Her interests focus on Learning Design & Technology with a specialization in Digital New Media for online education.
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