Survey of the Grandest Theories in Physics
Brought to you by Odyssey
October 4, 2021 - November 8, 2021
Mondays, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET (9 course hours)
In the last 4000 years scientists have toiled in their laboratories and observatories, at their desks and in the field to gradually elucidate the story of creation and evolution adding to its expanse and detail. Yet as marvelous a story of creation and evolution is, the chapters are replete with gaps and deep mystery; some perhaps impenetrable, given the limitations imposed upon us by physical law. It is within these uncharted waters beyond the shores of science that the ineffable glides. This course explores the unknown and perhaps unknowable chapters; with a focus on understanding the physical theories describing the structure of the cosmos identifying those areas not yet understood.
Suggested Readings
The Fabric of the Cosmos – Brian Greene – An overview of modern physics and cosmology
Einstein – Walter Isaacson – A view of Einstein’s life, Special and General Relativity
Genius – James Gleick – The life and Science of Richard Feynman – Quantum Electrodynamics
The View from the Center of the Universe – Joel R. Primack and Nancy Ellen Abrams – An overview of Modern Physics and its Philosophical Implications
Einstein’s God- Krista Tippit – Conversations and Science and the Human Spirit
Man Is Not Alone – Abraham Joshua Heschel – Philosophy of Religion
About the Instructor
Forrest Hall, PhD, worked for NASA for more than 35 years and the University of Maryland Baltimore County for 15 years. He has authored more than 80 scientific papers. He recently retired from the UMBC Physics Department but continues to teach astronomy and Earth Science at Baltimore's Maryland Institute College of Art. He lectures widely on the connections between science, spirituality, and ecology.
Tuition Remission and Refund Policies
Full-time JHU faculty/staff, their spouses or same-sex domestic partners, JHU retirees and their spouses or same-sex domestic partners are eligible for tuition remission. The tuition remission form is required. All tuition remission forms and details on eligibility can be found here and should be returned to odyssey@jhu.edu.
After registration, tuition remission eligibility will be confirmed by the Odyssey registrar. If eligibility cannot be confirmed, you will be required to pay full tuition for the course. Under the terms of the University’s remission program, Hopkins employees must withdraw in writing at least five working days before the first class to receive a 100% refund. No partial refunds are given to JHU employees and affiliates.
Please visit the registration and policies page for more information.
While participating in on-campus events and meetings, participants must follow all public health guidelines required by Johns Hopkins University and Medicine at the time of the event. If you are not fully vaccinated, we require that you wear a face covering during your visit to campus, even when it is no longer required for those who are vaccinated.
While participating in off-campus events and meetings sponsored by the JHAA/JHM/JHHS participants must follow all public health guidelines mandated by the local jurisdiction and venue at the time of the event, including vaccination and masking and distancing guidance. Johns Hopkins strongly suggests that attendees who join in person be fully vaccinated.