An introduction to modern astronomy's most important questions. The four sections of the course are Planets and Life in The Universe; The Life of Stars; Galaxies and Their Environments; The History of The Universe.
Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy
Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy
Instructor: Adam Frank
Sponsored by Coursera Learning Team
24,508 already enrolled
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6
(487 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 10 hours
Learn at your own pace
94%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Students will be able to summarize foundational principles related to the life of planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe.
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
Planets and Life in The Universe - Exoplanets searches, exoplanet census, astrobiology
What's included
20 videos8 readings1 assignment
The Life of Stars - Star formation, fusion and stellar middle age, black holes and stellar death-
What's included
19 videos1 assignment
Galaxies and Their Environments - Galaxy types, Active Galactic Nuclei, Clusters of Clusters of Galaxies
What's included
17 videos1 assignment
The History of The Universe - Why the Big Bang? A History of Time, What Happened Before the Big Bang
What's included
15 videos1 assignment
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.7 (81 ratings)Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.6
487 reviews
- 5 stars
71.86%
- 4 stars
19.50%
- 3 stars
5.13%
- 2 stars
2.05%
- 1 star
1.43%
Showing 3 of 487
DS
5
Reviewed on Aug 21, 2023
Amazing course, definitely recommend!Adam Frank does a great job at keeping you engage and learning more. Test was really demanding and certificate felt well deserved!
CP
5
Reviewed on Jan 26, 2017
Great course! Loved Adams' enthusiasm in sharing his knowledge with the virtual audience. Comprehensive and very spot on. Congratulations.
UD
5
Reviewed on May 3, 2024
More explaination can be provided in the quiz feedback. The simulator on stellar evolution is not working hence the quiz questions related to it should be updated
Recommended if you're interested in Physical Science and Engineering
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy