Heat, Light, and the Universe

Catalog description

How did the Universe transform from a formless beginning into one rich with galaxies, worlds, and living systems? Understanding the workings of our Universe requires an in-depth understanding of heat, temperature, and light. This course will explore how the understanding of these concepts developed and how they evolved to become key ingredients in the scientific toolbox, thereby allowing us to examine a wide class of phenomena in our natural world. Phenomena explored range from the cooling of the Universe in the first instants after the Big Bang, the formation of everything from galaxies, stars and planets, to the role that temperature fluctuations have played in the emergence of varied life forms throughout Earth’s history. Readings will be in the history and practice of science and in astronomy, biology, geology and physics. Classes are a mixture of lectures and problem-solving sessions utilizing concepts learned during the course culminating in student presentations on astrophysical phenomena. Classwork will be supplemented with field visits to the Sharjah Planetarium and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center. This course will be offered in January-Term 2026.