How Science Shapes Science Fiction

Course Overview

Explore 24 lectures analyzing the real science behind iconic sci-fi worlds, from Star Trek’s warp drive to Dune’s ecology, with Professor Charles L. Adler.

Video Lessons

Worldbuilding Science

4-5. Planetary Ecosystems (58 min)

• The Left Hand of Darkness’ Gethen
• Avatar’s Pandora moon

1. Dune’s Desert Ecology (28 min)
   Frank Herbert’s ecological masterpiece

Space Technology

7-10. Space Travel Realities (122 min)

• 2001’s orbital accuracy
• The Martian’s survival science
• Star Wars’ battle physics
• Star Trek’s propulsion systems

Physics Frontiers

11-12. Relativity & Cosmic Phenomena (53 min)

• Time dilation in Time for the Stars
• Interstellar’s black hole science
  13-14. Impossible Tech (58 min)
• Doctor Who’s time paradoxes
• Star Trek’s transporter tech

Future Visions

15-16. AI & Retro-Tech (55 min)

• Neuromancer’s cyberspace
• Leviathan’s steampunk genetics
  19-20. Alien Encounters (58 min)
• Contact’s SETI science
• X-Files’ UFO myths

Language & Society

21-22. Social Sciences (60 min)

• Foundation’s psychohistory
• Arrival’s linguistic relativity
  23-24. Cosmic Perspectives (60 min)
• Star Maker’s universal scale
• Childhood’s End’s human destiny