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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity by Stanford University

4.9
stars
3,032 ratings

About the Course

In this course we will seek to “understand Einstein,” especially focusing on the special theory of relativity that Albert Einstein, as a twenty-six year old patent clerk, introduced in his “miracle year” of 1905. Our goal will be to go behind the myth-making and beyond the popularized presentations of relativity in order to gain a deeper understanding of both Einstein the person and the concepts, predictions, and strange paradoxes of his theory. Some of the questions we will address include: How did Einstein come up with his ideas? What was the nature of his genius? What is the meaning of relativity? What’s “special” about the special theory of relativity? Why did the theory initially seem to be dead on arrival? What does it mean to say that time is the “fourth dimension”? Can time actually run more slowly for one person than another, and the size of things change depending on their velocity? Is time travel possible, and if so, how? Why can’t things travel faster than the speed of light? Is it possible to travel to the center of the galaxy and return in one lifetime? Is there any evidence that definitively confirms the theory, or is it mainly speculation? Why didn’t Einstein win the Nobel Prize for the theory of relativity? About the instructor: Dr. Larry Lagerstrom is the Director of Academic Programs at Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development, which offers graduate certificates in subjects such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, data mining, nanotechnology, innovation, and management science. He holds degrees in physics, mathematics, and the history of science, has published a book and a TED Ed video on "Young Einstein: From the Doxerl Affair to the Miracle Year," and has had over 30,000 students worldwide enroll in his online course on the special theory of relativity (this course!)....

Top reviews

RC

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Excellent course. The instructor did a wonderful job, using a white board and simple props. He made it interesting and made these complex principles understandable. I enjoyed the experience.

KK

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Wonderful course on STR. Mr. Larry explained the complicated things in a very easy way using lots of diagrams. I was motivated throughout the course because he kept me on track so I lost nothing.

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576 - 600 of 1,049 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Élyse L

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Apr 3, 2018

Love this. Everything is so clear and extremely well organized, I like the fact that sheets are available to us.

By Tim M

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Jul 15, 2022

A very clear & interesting introduction to Special Relativity - I thoroughly reccomend this course to everyone

By Pauline F

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Apr 19, 2020

Thank you Professor Lagerstrom for the very interesting course on the Special and General Theory of Relativity!

By Taya P

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Apr 9, 2020

Отличный курс! Я очень плаваю в физике и геометрии, но, приложив усилия, смогла осилить и понять каждый урок :)

By Tomaz K

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Aug 19, 2019

Understandable for one with fair skills in mathematics and physics.

Simple explanation of non-intuitive reality.

By Andre D

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Nov 10, 2017

A bit tedious sometimes but quite rewarding once completed, especially topics covered during last week (Week 8)

By Akash S

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Dec 11, 2016

Amazing course! If you're looking to broaden you're knowledge in Physics then this course won't disappoint you.

By Matthew G

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Aug 23, 2017

This course provides a clear and accessible introduction to a theory that can otherwise be difficult to grasp.

By Federica C

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Dec 18, 2016

An interesting course, the special theory of relativity easy for anyone to understand and very well explained.

By Leônidas G

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Sep 16, 2024

Curso com excelente didática permitindo uma fácil compreensão para problemas físicos tão complexos. Parabéns!

By Marcellinus A M G K

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Mar 16, 2023

Well presented, really enjoyed this, but it might help that I already have a background in Physics and Math

By Martha G

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May 1, 2021

I was finally able to understand the special theory of Relativity. I am very happy to have taken this course.

By Gerardo M

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Aug 27, 2024

Excelente material, bien estructurado, excelente docente, material de soporte adecuado y bien estructurado

By Ahad A

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Apr 11, 2020

This course was great and I finally can understand the concepts of the special theory of relativity! Thanks!

By Shubham S D

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Feb 25, 2018

Good material and great Tutors. Response from the moderators and mentors on discussion forum is very helpful

By Mudith W (

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Apr 26, 2020

This is the best course to learn relativity for a beginner. Hope to see more courses from the same lecturer

By Rubens M A

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Apr 11, 2020

I have problems ina test ! I answered and got them all right, but it came out with a percentage of 66.6%

By Anay M

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Sep 2, 2018

Exceptional course with an exceptional instructor. Easy to understand, concise, yet incredibly informative.

By David E

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May 24, 2021

Very good. Great lecturer and very quick responses to any question raised.

Will be exploring this further!

By Jasper W

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Feb 20, 2021

"Make haste slowly" words of wisdom as you take this course. Instructor is excellent. Highly recommend.

By HariKrishna

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Apr 6, 2018

best course for who loves Einsteina and his theory and best part of the course is the professor i love him

By Elena P

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Jul 30, 2017

Exceptionally well planned course, very helpful quizes and problems for practice and deeper understanding.

By Bo S

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Sep 10, 2020

Interesting with a historical perspective. Very engaging instructor. Good foundation for further studies.

By Marcos D

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May 21, 2020

Exceptionally planned and taught. Many thanks to the Professor and to Coursera for this rare opportunity.

By Chris W

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Apr 21, 2020

An excellent course. Paced well and with clear consistent methodology and terminology. Well presented.