History of the Universe

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13Lessons
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22Exams &
Assignments -
378Students
have taken this course -
7Hours
average time -
0.7CEUs
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.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

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. 15 Total Points
Lesson 1 Video
Take Survey: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Complete Exam: Lesson 1 : In the Beginning…The Big Bang
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. 35 Total Points
Lesson 2 Video
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Complete Exam: Lesson 2 : Our Sun and Other Stars
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. 35 Total Points
Lesson 3 Video
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Complete Exam: Lesson 3 : The Moon
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. 10 Total Points
Lesson 4 Video
Complete Exam: Lesson 4 : The Inner 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. 35 Total Points
Lesson 5 Video
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Complete Exam: Lesson 5 : The Outer Planets
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. 10 Total Points
Lesson 6 Video
Review Article: Kuiper Basics
Complete Exam: Lesson 6 : The Asteroid Belt, the Kuiper Belt, and Pluto
Lesson 7 : The Constellations, Nebulae, and Meteors
Ever since mankind has looked at the night sky, we have been able to identify patterns of stars that form familiar, although sometimes unusual, patterns. 35 Total Points
Lesson 7 Video
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
Complete Exam: Lesson 7 : The Constellations, Nebulas, and Meteors
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. 10 Total Points
Lesson 8 Video
Take Poll: Life Forces
Complete Exam: Lesson 8 : Global Warming
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. 35 Total Points
Lesson 9 Video
Review Article: Hawking's Black Hole Blunder
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Complete Exam: Lesson 9 : Black Holes, Gamma-Ray Bursts, Neutrinos, and Other Phenomena in the Universe
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. 9 Total Points
Lesson 10 Video
Complete Exam: Lesson 10 : Comets
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. 10 Total Points
Lesson 11 Video
Take Poll: Father of Knowlege
Complete Exam: Lesson 11 : The History of Knowledge About 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. 39 Total Points
Lesson 12 Video
Take Poll: To Boldly Go...
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
Complete Exam: Lesson 12 : Space Exploration, the International Space Station, and the Hubble Space Telescope
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. 355 Total Points
Lesson 13 Video
Take Poll: Final Course Poll - Your Opinion
Take Survey: Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
Complete Exam: Lesson 13 : Exoplanets and Extraterrestrial Life
Complete: The Final Exam - History of the Universe
633
Total Course Points
Learning Outcomes
By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Describe our sun and other stars.
- Describe the moon.
- Describe the inner and outer planets.
- Describe the asteroid belt, the kuiper belt, and pluto.
- Describe the constellations, nebulas, and meteors.
- Describe black holes, gamma-ray bursts, neutrinos, and other phenomena in the universe.
- Describe comets.
- Summarize the history of knowledge about the universe.
- Describe space exploration, the international space station, and the hubble space telescope.
- Describe exoplanets and extraterrestrial life, and
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
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Course Title:
History of the Universe
Course Number:
7550432
Course Requirements:
View Course Requirements
Lessons Rating:
4.6 / 5 Stars
(661 votes)
Languages:
English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Category:
Course Type:
General Education (Self-Paced, Online Class)
CEU Value:
0.7 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation:
Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy:
Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method:
Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor:
April Graves
Syllabus:
View Syllabus
Duration:
Continuous: Enroll anytime!
Course Fee:
$50.00 (no CEU Certification) || with Online CEU Certification: $75.00
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Student Testimonials
- "I really enjoyed this course. I have gone to a planetarium space show and saw Hubble in IMAX as a result." -- Gloria B.
- "Very helpful and it encourages one to expand their knowledge of astronomy" -- Isaura A.
- "The instructor was very knowledgeable and was always there to help with any questions. Each lesson were clear and easy to follow." -- Bill S.
- "The audio/visual reading of the content was most helpful." -- William S.
- "It was the overall learning experience of taking an online class that helped me the most. The instructor was very prompt in answering my questions and clarifying data." -- Shawn K.
- "The optional videos helped emphasize the main points. The internet links were also very helpful." -- Michael H.
- "I found all the lessons useful, but I really enjoyed the lessons on The Big Bang, The Sun, The planets, and comets. I have been very happy with my tutor. She has really encouraged me, and always answered any queries I had very promptly! She is an excellent instructor! " -- Gael M.
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