The Winter 2013 quarter course of the Modern Physics series concentrates on cosmology, the science of the origin and development of the universe. Along the way, Professor Susskind takes 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. To appreciate the material covered in this course, students should understand basic calculus and algebra. Originally presented by the Stanford Continuing Studies Program. Professor Susskind's Book, "The Theoretical Minimum" now available: http://www.theoreticalminimumbook.com/
Curated by: Stanford (9 videos)
(February 11, 2013) After reviewing the cosmological equations of state, Leonard Susskind introduces the concept of vacuum energy. Vacuum energy is represented by the cosmological constant, and is also known as dark energy.