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Back to Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

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

4.9
stars
3,063 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

AP

Aug 11, 2020

It was wonderful experience to know the special theory of relativity from Larry, who has presented the course in very simple way to understand. Thanks a lot to Larry for providing such a good session.

BH

Jun 22, 2017

This course is very comprehensive and well prepared material for understanding the Special Theory of Relativity. Larry (the instructor) is very expert and has broad knowledge in explaining the course.

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301 - 325 of 1,061 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Sidharth H

Jul 6, 2019

Great introduction to Special Relativity! Good for beginners. The math is highly simplified to an intuitive level, which gives great confidence to people (like me) who don't know calculus (yet) and thus do not (for now) understand the original 1905 paper.

By Hana B

May 7, 2021

The Professor is great, truly the best, thank You so much. I am a tourist guide of a Tour called " Einstein in Prague" (1911-1912). Thanks to this knowledge I will be able to explain a lot of interesting principles and paradoxes to my groups. THANK YOU.

By Silvia I P A

Dec 4, 2020

Es un curso excelente. El profesor es un docente con conocimientos y mucha experiencia.

Su doctorado en Historia de la Física da un contexto único, a aquellos momentos importantes en la trayectoria cientifica de Einstein. Agradezco mucho los aprendizajes.

By Antonio P

May 30, 2017

A superb introduction into Special Relativity. A great way to assimilate in full the fundamental concepts before diving into a more technical/mathematical approach... if you really need it. I'm very pleased having decided to take it. Thank you very much!

By Karen S B

Dec 9, 2020

This is an excellent course even for those of us who have some understanding of these concepts. The instructor is extremely knowledgeable and reinforces these ideas in a clear and concise manner.

I found it to be very thorough and interesting. Thank you!

By Jim M

Oct 19, 2020

Dr. Lagerstrom's presentations were detailed, clear, and very understandable. His whiteboard work was very good. The presentations on were neat, clear and very readable.

In my opinion, the course was a top notch introduction to Einstein and relativity.

By AFI. J M

Jul 22, 2020

It is a great course for all Physics Enthusiasts and also for someone who wants to know about Einstein. Prof. Lagerstrom is a wonderful teacher who helps you to imagine every single thought experiment in a very intuitive way. Thanks to Prof. Lagerstrom.

By Vishal V

Jul 22, 2017

I like this course and i learn something new and very weird things about universe. I also thankful to Prof. Larry Lagerstrom, and Stanford University to provide such valuable knowledge and also thankful to coursera to provide such platform for learning.

By Richard M

Aug 19, 2021

Randy Lagerstrom is an engaging teacher with a comprehensive grasp of his subject. He is a master teacher who can break down complex ideas into understandable concepts without sacrificing the whole. I would highly recommend any course he would teach

By Leandro S A

Mar 10, 2022

An amazing course for all those who wants to know more and more about Einstein´s thoughts and his Special Theory of Relativity. Amazing didatic of Stanford´s professor Larry Randles Lagerstrom. Very thankful for all the content and knowledge acquired.

By Gwen J H

Sep 18, 2021

I highly recommend this excellent, well-organized course on the Special Theory of Relativity. It is a great introduction to the topic, taught by a very experienced professor. There is so much more to learn and this course inspires me to dig deeper.

By Andres P

Jul 13, 2020

Excellent course. Great lectures, perfect for anyone with a minimum background on physics. No need to have any previous knowledge of the Special Theory of Relativity. Very well explained and well designed exercises. Top experience! 100% recommended!

By Luiz C

Jun 18, 2019

Really great Course: though Professor Lagestrom explanations can sometimes feel being too long, he is always very clear. I really enjoyed this Course, and wish there would bea similar follow-up course on the topic of the General Theory of Relativity

By Deleted A

Mar 18, 2020

Very thorough and modern explanation of the basic principles of SR. Modern in the sense that math is not emphasized to start getting the correct intuition. Thank you Prof. Holstrom and thank you to the staff for answering all questions so promptly.

By John M

May 27, 2017

A fantastic course by a fantastic teacher. Enthusiastic and interesting and most importantly clearly explaining the subject matter. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to anyone and to take any other course run by Larry Randles Lagerstrom.

By Dhruv A

Jun 16, 2021

Excellent Course offered by Stanford, taught intricately by Professor Lagerstrom. Structured very well and comprehensive to a novice, covering all the base concepts of Special Relativity, with math easily understood by a high school level student.

By Utkarsh C

Jul 14, 2020

Really it was a great course, explained with such good examples and out teacher " just hats off to him". Sir, you were really very kind and intelligent. thank you for letting us understand the fundamentals of Einstein Special theory of Relativity.

By Anish M

Jul 6, 2024

The professor is very humble and very much knowledgeable on the topics and the topics were slow-pacing but interesting to invest time upon. The teaching manner was well structured and the short quizzes were helpful to brush up the concepts well.

By Tiago P S

Feb 6, 2023

Great course!

All topics are well explained, easy to understand, and it's great for anyone who wants to know about Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity.

Anyone with basic math algebra knowledge can and will be able to get through this course.

By Lars E

Aug 16, 2023

After a somewhat lengthy start the course gives an easy to understand but nevertheless very interesting insight into the world of relativity. Mathematics are kept to the bare minimum but the concepts are given in clear diagrams and examples.

By Jean-Jacques Z

Jun 23, 2018

Very clear presentation of the Physics involved. Can be followed without mathematical background. As a suggested reading I would add "L'évolution des idées en Physique" from Einstein / Infeld"Let's go now for a lecture in general relativity!

By Diane R

Jul 5, 2023

This professor was excellent. He broke down all topics to very digestible parts and repeated key points. I had never taken a physics course before and it has been years since I had any math but I was able to follow along with no difficulty.

By Quincy G

Oct 9, 2018

Professor was very thorough in explaining the various aspects regarding the Special Theory of Relativity. The tests and problem sets were well related to what I learned in the videos, and helped me apply what I learned. A terrific course.

By Paulino J H C

Jul 26, 2024

Thank you Larry for sharing your knowledge, because with your exceptional talent for teaching you have enriched in an extraordinary way my understanding of the universe through the amazing reality that Einstein with his genius showed us.

By Amalkrishna M

Oct 11, 2020

Intresting course and excellent professor and never ever had this excellent online class valuable and worth class and I'm become more endustatic in physics and thanks for all the guys behind this project and special thanks for professor