AP
Aug 12, 2020
It was wonderful experience to know the special theory of relativity from Larry, who has presented the course in very simple way to understand. Thanks a lot to Larry for providing such a good session.
SS
Dec 9, 2019
Almost anyone can learn about the special theory of relativity from these lectures. I actually can't believe that I studied from a professor who teaches in the USA and in so simple way. I am grateful.
By Chloe W [
•Jun 27, 2021
Great!
By Trường A N
•Apr 2, 2025
Great
By Pramish B
•Apr 13, 2022
cool
By Vijay N
•Jun 10, 2020
Great
By Gourang C B
•Mar 23, 2019
goood
By Hrishi S
•Nov 21, 2017
great
By Alexa S
•Sep 22, 2024
Good
By Lương Đ L
•May 27, 2021
good
By Danilo C
•Jul 9, 2020
Wow!
By SHAMPRANESH D
•Nov 10, 2018
Good
By Abhijeet G
•Oct 31, 2016
Yo
By Charles C
•Sep 16, 2021
R
By Kell B
•May 11, 2018
f
By Mustafa S A
•Jul 15, 2017
A
By Richard E
•Sep 18, 2021
Lecture delivery: Very engaging, in general. I do appreciate the historical background material. Difficulty: Way too easy. The professor seems to assume that the audience is weak in Math & Physics. The prerequisites for the course should include at least elementary Mechanics and Vector Algebra. Near the end, one problem should have been presented in 3D [t, x, y, z] to reinforce that the the previous problems were based on holding 2 of the 3 space dimensions constant. Leaving the details of the vector algebra as an exercise for the student to verify is justified with a change in the prerequisites. There was way too much explanation of algebra manipulation. Much should have been left as an exercise to the student! The mass/energy issue with respect to the speed of light should have been presented. This was skipped and could have been presented in a general sense with accompanying Internet GR references for derivations (E.g. DrPhysicsA on YouTube.com). Problem sets should not be optional! These are good student reinforcement opportunities. A presentation which needs to be revisited IMO: "The Twin Paradox" part 3.
By John R
•Sep 16, 2017
Excellent presentation, clearly explained in generic language some of the esoteric concepts of the Special Theory of Relativity. In my Physics IV class, fifty years ago, we called this "Science Fiction I." I enjoyed the course. Only downside, I would think that a University with the standing of Stanford would produce a presentation that would use digital graphics instead of a white board and dry erase marker. With the capabilities of computer programming, this course could be greatly enhanced in the audio/visual area.
By Bhushan J
•Aug 9, 2017
In my view the course was a great exposure to Special Theory of Relativity and superbly conducted by Prof. Lagerstrom. I think some more rigor could be brought into as 'optional modules' and in the optional problem sets. There are some places where explanation could be elaborated or made clearer further in my view. Nonetheless for anyone who wants to know something about Special Theory (and vet intellectual appetite further), I would recommend this is a good place to start. Thank you!
By prasad s
•Jul 13, 2018
At first, it really seems to be very slow paced, but latter you realize that those initial concepts were so key to the analysis and concepts in during latter lectures. The professor seemed to be very dedicated, and taught everything from the ground-up; which was really a help and thus, there does not arises a moment when you seriously struggle about the topic being discussed. HATS OFF to the professor for teaching in such a simplistic and conceivable fashion.
By Michele S
•Apr 2, 2022
This was mind-expanding. I had forgotten most everything I had learned on this subject in college (40-odd years ago). Dr. Lagerstrom did an excellent job of describing the concepts of Special Relativity. The English language is not very good, however, at expressing things like "clocks lagging" or "running fast". But Dr. Lagerstrom rendered the material understandable, and my brain hsa gotten a much-needed jolt from the torpor of the everyday.
By Ameya K
•May 10, 2021
Pros: Everything is explained very well, to the point that even middle schoolers should be able to get it. It makes a university topic seem easy, which is impressive.
Cons: The course is very very long, and often feels very repetitive. A lot of videos don't seem necessary, and could have been shortened to half their length. Also, Week 1 is completely skippable because it doesn't actually teach anything about SR, just about Einstein's life.
By Lior S
•Jan 17, 2017
This was a great course which is taught by a passionate and patient lecturer. The whole 8 weeks covers the first half of Einstein's famous paper in detail. The pace can be slow, but of course you can always speed up the videos. The mathematics is very approachable - school level algebra is all you need. The only other prerequisite is a basic understanding of light and electromagnetic waves.
By Kelly S
•Dec 21, 2020
Good content, but too much focus on Einstein himself and philosophy. Could do with a little bit more of the math side of things, but I'm biased in that regard as already having finished my bachelors in aeronautical engineering. Spent too much time going over the examples, but they were well constructed and yielded a lot of insight.
By Floris v d P
•Dec 9, 2016
A comprehensive introduction to the subject, somewhat spoiled by the unrelenting reiteration of the most basics concepts in the earlier parts of the course. A bit of a pity, since the lecturer is a fairly engaging speaker when he is not busy interrupting the flow of his argument with mind–numbing repetition.
By Deleted A
•Dec 18, 2017
The content is really good. The quality of the content is excellent. The instructor's pedagogical skills are excellent as well.
The only criticism I have is with the length of the videos. I feel they could be shortened. Other than that, one of the best introductory courses for Special Relativity.
By Mitchell D
•Oct 12, 2020
I think very highly of the course, and the professor, with one quibble: The professor had some difficulty talking in full sentences, which I found frustrating and annoying. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the experience, and believe that my understanding of Einstein's theories is certainly improved.