Cosmology: Understand the Development of the Universe

Let's explore the history of the universe together! Cosmology is the study of the history of the universe and understanding how the universe works. From the Big Bang to modern astronomy, cosmologists want to understand how we got our current universe.

In order to understand how something big works (like the universe) we need to start by understanding the small parts that make it up. We will take a look at how our modern understanding of particle physics has allowed cosmologists to develop a better understanding of how the universe works. We will build on that to see how those particles work together to create the universe we live in.

Materials you learn will include:
~ The steps and proof of the Big Bang
~ Dark matter: what it is, why we can't see it
~ Dark energy and how it drives expansion
~ How all energy in the universe works together to create different reactions

Each week's lesson will cover a new idea from cosmology, and learners will understand how all these ideas work together.  Lessons will follow a similar structure each week:
~ Listen as I lecture about the week's topic
~ View a slideshow of key points from the lecture, including photographs and diagrams
~ Ask questions about the topic as you learn more about it
~ Write notes to remember facts about the topic
~ Discuss the week's topic with me and your fellow learners
~ Examine photographs from the James Webb Space Telescope and learn about it's mission to further cosmology
~ Optional homework assignments available to check for understanding of the week's topic