Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy
Journey through the evolution of astronomical knowledge from ancient civilizations to modern cosmological discoveries.
Journey through the evolution of astronomical knowledge from ancient civilizations to modern cosmological discoveries.
This comprehensive course explores astronomy's rich history, from prehistoric calendar-keeping to contemporary theories about the universe's origin and structure. Students learn how human understanding evolved through ancient observations, Greek science, the Copernican revolution, Newton's discoveries, Einstein's theories, and modern cosmology. The course examines key astronomical concepts, historical breakthroughs, and philosophical questions about our place in the cosmos.
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What you'll learn
Understand the evolution of astronomical knowledge through history
Explore ancient civilizations' astronomical achievements
Analyze the impact of the Scientific Revolution
Examine Einstein's theories and their implications
Investigate modern cosmological discoveries
Evaluate philosophical questions about the universe
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
1080 Minutes PreRecorded video
42 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Batch access
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There are 8 modules in this course
The course provides a comprehensive journey through the history and philosophy of astronomy, spanning from ancient civilizations to modern cosmological discoveries. Through eight detailed modules, students explore how astronomical understanding evolved, examining key historical figures, revolutionary discoveries, and fundamental concepts. The curriculum combines historical perspectives with scientific principles to deliver a rich understanding of humanity's quest to comprehend the universe.
Welcome to Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy
Module 1 · 1 Hours to complete
Prehistory and Greek Science
Module 2 · 4 Hours to complete
The Copernican Revolution
Module 3 · 4 Hours to complete
The Golden Age of Science
Module 4 · 4 Hours to complete
Theory of Atoms and Stars
Module 6 · 4 Hours to complete
The Expanding Universe
Module 7 · 4 Hours to complete
Life Beyond the Earth
Module 8 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructor
Distinguished Astronomy Educator and Author
Chris Impey, a British-born astronomer and University Distinguished Professor at the University of Arizona, has established himself as a leading figure in astronomy education and public outreach. Born in 1956, he completed his education at Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh before joining the University of Arizona in 1986. His research portfolio includes over 180 refereed publications focused on observational cosmology and extragalactic astronomy, supported by $20 million in NASA and NSF grants. On Coursera, he offers three highly-rated courses: "Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space" with over 245,777 enrolled students, "Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds" with 33,798 students, and "Knowing the Universe." His teaching excellence is evidenced by eleven university teaching awards and his selection as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor in 2014. Beyond academia, he has authored eight popular science books, including "The Living Cosmos" and "How It Began," and gives numerous public talks annually to diverse audiences. His commitment to science education extends to digital platforms, with his Teach Astronomy website attracting thousands of weekly visitors and his YouTube content garnering over half a million views. His contributions have earned him prestigious recognitions, including fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the position of Vice President of the American Astronomical Society.
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