* Document your course completion with an online certificate (additional shipping/handling charges apply for hard copy delivery). Instantly download, print, and share your certificate and CEUs once awarded. UniversalClass™ offers many wonderful learning tools to help you get the most out of your online course,
including an online portfolio service that manages all your course completions, and a Certificate Verification Service you can use so others may view and verify the authenticity of your awards.
Course Description
For many centuries, scientists generally held the belief that the Universe was truly infinite--it had neither a beginning nor an end. The question of how our Universe began is one of the fundamental questions that all peoples of all cultures have wondered for millennia. Although much of what we know today is still regarded as speculation, scientists and astrophysicists have made significant discoveries in the last century that have given us a much clearer view of the Universe's history. While these discoveries have led us to better understand our origins, they have also prompted us to pose even deeper questions. This is the very nature of science and cosmology, the study of the Universe. Our understanding of the physical world around us, and indeed the Universe itself, is constantly expanding.
This course will explore the very beginnings of our Universe and examine its fundamental components. We will explore the formation and basic elements of our own solar system, and we will reach out from there--deep into the darkness to explore the sometimes exotic and always fascinating elements of space.
We will also peer into other worlds in search of life on other planets, and we will learn about the exciting discoveries that have been made throughout the centuries by some of our greatest thinkers.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1 : In the Beginning...The Big Bang
For many centuries, scientists generally held the belief that the Universe was truly infinite – many people believed that it neither had a beginning nor an end.
Lesson 2 : Our Sun and Other Stars
To begin our journey in studying the Universe, we must first begin in our own backyard, and we will start with the most prominent member of our Solar System - the Sun.
Lesson 3 : The Moon
Besides Earth, scientists know more about the Moon than any other object in our solar system. Our knowledge of the Moon has led to very significant discoveries in planetary formation, orbits, and many other astronomical topics.
Lesson 4 : The Inner Planets
In order to properly study the history of the planets in our solar system, it is wise to separate the planets into two groups, the inner and outer planets.
Lesson 5 : The Outer Planets
The outer planets of our solar system are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They are often referred to as the "gas giants," as they are comprised primarily of gas.
Lesson 6 : The Asteroid Belt, the Kuiper Belt, and Pluto
Anyone who has ever studied a chart of the planets has noticed that there is a huge distance separating the fourth planet, Mars, from the fifth planet, Jupiter.
Lesson 7 : The Constellations, Nebulas, and Meteors
Ever since mankind has looked at the night sky, we have been able identify patterns of stars that form familiar, although sometimes unusual, patterns.
Lesson 8 : Global Warming
There has been an enormous amount of discussion and debate in recent times about the subject of Global Warming. To many people, this is a politically-charged topic, with liberals on one side and conservatives on the other.
Lesson 9 : Black Holes, Gamma-Ray Bursts, Neutrinos, and Other Phenomena in the Universe
In the vast and limitless Universe, there are few objects that are more fascinating that Black Holes, Gamma-Ray Bursts, and Neutrinos.
Lesson 10 : Comets
Throughout this course, we have discussed phenomena such as Black Holes and meteors, but an entire chapter must be devoted to comets alone due to their significance in the history of the Universe.
Lesson 11 : The History of Knowledge About the Universe
In a course devoted to the history and topics of the Universe, we must examine some of the greatest thinkers and scientists who have contributed the most to our knowledge of the Universe.
Lesson 12 : Space Exploration, the International Space Station, and the Hubble Space Telescope
In this chapter, we will discuss our exploration of space, from manned missions into space, non-manned probes into space, our most sophisticated telescopes.
Lesson 13 : Exoplanets and Extraterrestrial Life
For as long as mankind has inhabited the Earth and looked to the sky, we have wondered about the possibility of life on other planets.
Optional Certificates Awarded
Certificate of Merit
Certificate of Academic Excellence
In addition to the standard Certificate of Course Completion, Merit Awards may be issued by the instructor at his/her own discretion and are based on student achievement. Merit awards also incur an additional $30.00 processing fee that covers the customization, printing, and delivery of the award, as well as access to the UniversalClass™ Portfolio Service that documents your achievements online. Official Merit Awards have a serial number that verifies the authenticity of the award (great for employers to verify your achievement).
This is a non-credit course, and is provided for your personal enrichment.
This course is not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, or educational requirements.
Choose from 5 Payment Methods
Credit Card Online
Credit Card through FAX
Check/Money Order through Mail
Credit Card over the Phone
PayPal
To use any of these methods you must press the "Join this Course" button on this screen and go through the online registration process in order to generate the correct order form and correctly process your enrollment.
($55.00) Meteorology is a fascinating subject. more
Other Related Classes in Astronomy
Anatomy and Physiology 101 This self-paced anatomy and physiology course will cover all the bodily systems playing a major role in human anatomy. The material is presented in a practical and comprehensive manner. The focus of the course is on the need-to-know facts that must be un...
Astrology 101 Astrology is the study of the relationship between the relative positions of certain celestial bodies and life here on earth. Because the word astrology comes from the Greek words astron, meaning ‘star' and logos, meaning ‘word', we can liter...
Astronomy 101 The universe is comprised of infinite space both on Earth and beyond. It is quite illuminating to discover the expansiveness that can be found by studying the night skies and not only learning about the array of celestial objects that exist but also unde...
Biology 101 Biology 101 is an excellent learning resource for the college or pre-college student. This logical and easy to understand class is divided into self-paced lessons, complimented with well-written text, diagrams, pictures, critical-thinking assignments an...
Cell and Molecular Biology 101 From the laboratory to the real world, cell and molecular biology has a far-ranging impact upon everything from the environment to health and medical issues. Cell and molecular biology enables researchers to study the minute world of microbes and cells. ...
Chemistry 101 CHEMISTRY: It is Not Your Great-Grandfather's Science Anymore Moving beyond the white lab coat and test tube specimen chemistry once was, the science now encompasses a diverse spectrum of branches and sub-divisions. And, while it certainly is fascinat...
Cosmology 101 This course will provide you with a great amount of information about our world, our universe, and beyond our Milky Way. With our guidance, you will be able to investigate many fascinating theories and explore many exciting concepts regarding the histo...
Geography 101 Are you mystified by maps? Would you like to know how mountains are made? You can find out the answers to these questions by taking our Geography Course. In eleven easy lessons, you'll learn all about the different geographical features that make up our ...
Geology 101 Geology is the study of the world around us and the way it was formed. The study expands beyond the earth and includes the building blocks of the whole universe. Without the study of geology, it would have been very difficult to build the modern world ...
History of the Universe For many centuries, scientists generally held the belief that the Universe was truly infinite--it had neither a beginning nor an end. The question of how our Universe began is one of the fundamental questions that all peoples of all cultures have wondere...
Introduction to Physics Welcome to the world of Physics! Here, we will explore the natural laws of how the universe operates. This introductory course covers all the fundamentals of Physics, and is comprehensive enough for students already familiar with the subject. Join now, a...
Meteorology Fundamentals Meteorology is a fascinating subject. Because of its very nature, it is never constant or boring. Studies and observations of weather and climate and its impact on humans and the environment offer everything from gorgeous sunsets to terrifying hurricanes...
Microbiology 101 The study of microbiology is extremely rewarding, leading to advances in the welfare of the environment as well as human populations. Pursuing this fascinating subject lead to such careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical research...
Numerology 101 The study of Numerology is one of the easiest, yet least understood of all the occult arts. When applied correctly, Numerology can give you a good idea of the direction in which your life will likely proceed. It can also give you insight into the work ...