Introduction to Special Relativity
What you'll learn
- Gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts within special relativity.
- Apply knowledge of special relativity to predict and explain physical phenomena.
- Derive the famous mass-energy equivalence equation E = mc^2 and discover the true nature of space and time.
- Investigate the fascinating and counter-intuitive conclusions special relativity leads us to.
- Appreciate the role special relativity plays in modern scientific research and technology.
- Gain the necessary foundations to study further topics such as quantum field theory and general relativity.
Requirements
- Only basic mathematical fluency required. A background in maths or physics is not a prerequisite.
Description
Introduction to special relativity is an accessible and engaging journey through the work of a true genius.
With 6 hours of video content, detailed pdf slides, and a series of problems + worked solutions, this course is for anyone interested in learning about special relativity and its mind-boggling predictions. Concepts are introduced in a logical order at a tangible pace and are explained in detail within videos and summarised within slides.
Special relativity is the master-work of the greatest scientist of a generation.
After completing the course, you will have a detailed understanding of special relativity. Special relativity is a triumphant theory, first formulated in 1905 by Albert Einstein, that explains the behaviour of nature in its most extreme configurations, including high-energy beams within particle accelerators, and paved the way for influential technologies such as the Global Positioning System. The theory was the first indication that Newton's description of the macroscopic world, having stood undisputed for over 200 years, was incomplete.
Material is presented in an intelligent manner to help advanced concepts appear straightforward.
The course material is equivalent to that taught within a first-year undergraduate physics course but is presented in a clear and cogent fashion to allow for easier digestion. Problems have been written to a similar level but adjusted to include only the mathematics taught within the course.
Who this course is for:
- The course is suitable for anyone interesting in learning about relativity, how it can be applied to the universe, and its significance as a scientific theory in a larger context.
Instructor
- 4.5 Instructor Rating
- 117 Reviews
- 1,718 Students
- 2 Courses
I've always felt that a lot of people see physics as "something clever people do". As if knowledge of the subject is only available to a handful of lucky individuals at the top of the intellectual pyramid.
With over 2000 hours of online teaching experience and equipped with the knowledge from a Master's degree in Physics from the University of Warwick, I am planning on producing a series of courses to help communicate central theories such as quantum mechanics and special relativity without the presumption of large quantities of high-level mathematics.
My courses on quantum mechanics and special relativity are available now.