Perpetual motion machines (i.e., devices that, once set in motion, would continue in motion forever, with no additional energy required) - are they possible? Well, not according to the first and second laws of thermodynamics. First law of thermodynamics: When energy passes, as work, as heat, or with matter, into or out from a system, its internal energy changes in accord with … [Read more...]
Keep Learning With These Free Alison Courses
It's important to keep learning - it keeps your brain active and opens up all sorts of opportunities in your life! Below are some of the trending topics in Alison's free courses to get you started. Physics How do magnets work? What exactly is gravity? When did the Big Bang happen? Understand fascinating concepts such as speed, motion, time, light and gravity by … [Read more...]
How to Survive on Mars – A Free Course
Mars has captivated the human imagination since the very earliest civilizations. It is the most explored planet in the solar system and that is unlikely to change. Getting to Mars is relatively easy, surviving on Mars will be the real challenge. The free online course "How to Survive on Mars: The Science Behind the Human Exploration of Mars" will introduce the key scientific … [Read more...]
Increase Your Knowledge of Electronics, Magnetism and Sound in Physics – Free Course
The Alison free online course "Advanced Physics" covers electronics, electric systems, magnets, sounds and transformers, and much more. It provides a comprehensive grounding in Physics and is ideal as a complement to regular classes, a study or revision aid, or as a resource for someone pursuing an interest in basic science. Advanced Physics Course Content The course … [Read more...]
12 TED Talks for when you wish you could go back to college
Other people's interests or areas of research often seem more exciting than our own. That's why I've kept moving from one academic area to another throughout my academic life :-) Here is a playlist (compiled by "TED Talks") of talks by authors who inspire you to learn more about their topics. Paul Bloom: The origins of pleasure Why do we like an original painting … [Read more...]
Basic Mechanics: Building a Go-Kart – A Free Course
Have you ever wanted to understand how an engine works? Or what is actually happens when you push on the brake pedal? A go-kart is basically just a stripped-down car, which makes it a great tool for learning how an automobile works. So sit back and enjoy watching the amazing Bucky Roberts as he builds his masterpiece. Along the way, take notes, because even if you don't want … [Read more...]
Critical Mass: How the Higgs Boson Discovery Swept the World – A Free Course
Last summer, scientists at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland, announced the discovery of a new particle that could explain why elementary particles have mass. On February 7, 2013, a panel of experts from the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, and Fermilab discussed why this discovery marks the beginning of a new era in particle physics … [Read more...]
Science 101: Intro to Natural Sciences – A Free Course
Science 101: Introduction to Natural Sciences Designed to prepare you to earn real college credit by passing the Natural Sciences CLEP exam. This course covers the topics in both the physical and biological sciences and is equivalent to a natural sciences course taught during the first two years of college. Our instructors are experienced educators with the in-depth … [Read more...]
The End of Space and Time? A Free Course
Robbert Dijkgraaf's focus is on string theory, quantum gravity, and the interface between mathematics and particle physics, bringing them together in an accessible way, looking at sciences, the arts and other matters. Today, I will tell you a grand story, which is our thinking of space and time, and in some sense, what is the role of geometry, mathematics in understanding the … [Read more...]
Cosmology – A Free Course
This course of the Theoretical Minimum series will concentrate on cosmology, the science of the origin and development of the universe. Along the way, students will take a close look at the Big Bang, the geometry of space-time, inflationary cosmology, cosmic microwave background, dark matter, dark energy, the anthropic principle, and the string theory landscape. 1. The … [Read more...]
Higgs Boson – A Free Course
This is a single lecture in which Professor Susskind explains the physics of the Higgs Boson shortly after the discovery of this famous particle was announced. Demystifying the Higgs Boson - Professor Susskind presents an explanation of what the Higgs mechanism is, and what it means to "give mass to particles." He also explains what's at stake for the future of physics and … [Read more...]
Physics for the 21st Century – A Free Course
Physics for the 21st Century: an on-line course that explores the frontiers of physics. The 11 units, accompanied by videos, interactive simulations, and a comprehensive Facilitator's Guide, work together to present an overview of key areas of rapidly-advancing knowledge in the field, arranged from the sub-atomic scale to the cosmological. The goal is to make the frontiers … [Read more...]
