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Topics in String Theory (Cosmology and Black Holes)

Topics in String Theory (Cosmology and Black Holes) (Winter 2011, Standard Univ.). Instructor: Professor Leonard Susskind. In this course, Leonard Susskind continues his exploration of string theory that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity. In particular, the course focuses on string theory with regard to important issues in contemporary physics. Topics include: 1) the impact of string theory on the pursuit of black holes; 2) the string theory landscape and the implications for cosmology; and 3) the Holographic Principle and its applications. (from theoreticalminimum.com)

Lecture 01 - String Theory
In this lecture, Leonard Susskind begins by describing the theory of reductionism and then goes on to tell why string theory and other modern theories spell the end of reductionism.
Lecture 02 - Special relativity and string theory
Leonard Susskind describes the special theory of relativity and focuses on showing how it connects to string theory. He considers concepts such as space-time and some of Einstein's original concepts.
Lecture 03 - Black holes
Leonard Susskind uses the most complex math that will be used in the course with the hopes that it will give a better idea of how a black hole works mathematically.
Lecture 04 - Black hole horizons
Leonard Susskind describes the geometry of a black hole near the event horizon. He describes how standard concepts from quantum physics can explain the physics that occur at this point.
Lecture 05 - Black holes and light
Leonard Susskind again discusses black holes and how light behaves around a black hole. He uses his own theories to mathematically explain the behavior of a black hole and the area around it.
Lecture 06 - Black hole entropy
This lecture describes how string theory gives a resolution to the question regarding the entropy of a black hole.
Lecture 07 - Black hole entropy 2
Leonard Susskind continues the presentation of the theory behind calculating the entropy of a black hole.
Lecture 08 - Horizons
This lecture discusses the concept of cosmic horizons as well as the relationship between ultraviolet and infrared light.
Lecture 09 - More black holes and horizons
Leonard Susskind completes the course with a broad discussion of black holes and horizons.

References
Cosmology and Black Holes (Winter, 2011) | The Theoretical Minimum
Leonard Susskind continues his exploration of string theory that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity.

The Theoretical Minimum Courses
Classical Mechanics (Fall 2007)
Classical Mechanics (Fall 2011)
Quantum Mechanics (Winter 2008)
Quantum Mechanics (Winter 2012)
Advanced Quantum Mechanics (Fall 2013)
Special Relativity (Spring 2008)
Special Relativity (Spring 2012)
Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (Fall 2008)
General Relativity (Fall 2012)
Cosmology (Winter 2009)
Cosmology (Winter 2013)
Statistical Mechanics (Spring 2009)
Statistical Mechanics (Spring 2013)
Particle Physics 1: Basic Concepts (Fall 2009)
Particle Physics 2: Standard Model (Spring 2010)
Particle Physics 3: Supersymmetry and Grand Unification (Spring 2010)
String Theory and M-Theory (Fall 2010)
Topics in String Theory (Cosmology and Black Holes) (Winter 2011)
Quantum Entanglements, Part 1 (Fall 2006)
Relativity (Spring 2007)