The Great Courses: Impossible: Physics beyond the Edge

One of the most exciting scientific adventures of all time is the search for the ultimate nature of physical reality, a hunt that in the past century has yielded such breakthroughs as Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, two theories that radically altered our picture of space, time, gravity, and the fundamental building blocks of matter. Prepare to be intrigued, enlightened, and amazed with these 24 lectures that introduce you to the essence of string theory: that the smallest, most fundamental objects in the universe are not little balls knocking around like billiards but supermicroscopic filaments whose different vibrational modes produce the multitude of particles observed in laboratories. From there, you'll launch into in-depth examinations of concepts and ideas that are sometimes baffling but always invigorating and educational, including dark matter, designer atoms, sizzling black holes, and Einstein's hypotenuse. If you've ever wanted to know what string theory is all about; or what theoretical physicists discuss over dinner; or how mathematical ideas guide our exploration of inconceivably tiny realms; or if you've ever wanted a glimpse of cutting-edge ideas about the fundamental structure of reality - then let Professor Gates be your guide into the amazing world of strings.