PHYS 135 The Origin and Fate of the Universe The course examines what the universe is made of, how to measure its dimensions, how and when it began, and in how many different ways it is changing. The course outlines the different methods scientists use in their ongoing research about the expansion of the universe and the Big Bang model, the mysteries of black holes, quasars, dark matter, and dark energy. Students are required to create an art project that relates to any aspect of the course. One of the class assignments involves a visit to the Adler Planetarium.