Cosmology: The Past and the Future of the Universe

From the first fractions of a second after the Big Bang to scenarios of the distant future—how the cosmological history is structured and why understanding it matters not only to astrophysicists. Modern cosmology is no longer purely a theoretical discipline: telescope data, including JWST, are forcing revisions of established models. To make sense of the key stages in the Universe’s evolution is to gain a tool for interpreting science news and for a more informed perception of cosmological hypotheses. The program covers, in chronological order, the Big Bang, the mechanisms of cosmic inflation and its observational consequences, as well as the nature of dark matter and dark energy. You will learn how the first atoms, stars, and galaxies formed, and what role the cosmic microwave background plays in this picture. A dedicated block focuses on current data—especially the results from the JWST telescope—which call into question some standard scenarios. The main options for the Universe’s ultimate fate are discussed: Big Crunch, heat death, Big Rip, and cyclic models. Each topic is accompanied by an analysis of observational evidence and methods for interpreting it. Methodologically, the course is built on combining theoretical concepts with their grounding in real data. You will learn to distinguish which claims are based on reliable observations and which remain hypotheses. Special attention is given to typical mistakes in popular presentations of cosmology—for example, confusing the expansion of space with the motion of galaxies, or misinterpreting redshift. The practical part includes analyzing graphs and diagrams used in scientific publications. The course is intended for students of natural science and engineering fields who are interested in astrophysics; physics and astronomy teachers who want to update their course content; science journalists and popularizers who need accurate terminology; and anyone who follows science news and wants to independently assess the credibility of cosmological claims. By the end of the course, you will master modern cosmological terminology, be able to confidently explain the main models—from inflation to different end-of-Universe scenarios—and relate them to observational data. You will learn to critically analyze news about cosmological discoveries, distinguish confirmed facts from speculation, and identify which specific observations support each scenario. The acquired knowledge will provide a foundation for further independent study of astrophysics.