Science in the Islamic Golden Age

About this course

This course examines the expansion of Islam and the conditions that enabled scholarship across empires stretching from Cordoba to Samarkand. It considers the role of royal patronage, translation and knowledge centres such as the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Participants explore developments in chemistry, mathematics, astronomy, medicine and engineering, alongside the work of important scholars. The course also traces how knowledge moved into Europe and contributed to scientific and engineering developments during the Renaissance. Teaching combines lectures and presentation slides with class discussion, breakout sessions and other audio-visual content.

What you'll learn

• Identify significant Islamic empires and centres of learning
• Recognise key Islamic scholars and describe selected scientific innovations
• Explain how knowledge from the Islamic Golden Age contributed to later developments during the European Renaissance

Is this course right for you?

The course is described as suitable for learners at all levels who have an interest in science and history. Participation includes listening to lectures and contributing to group and whole-class discussion, with some breakout-session activity.

• No particular skills are specified by the provider
• The course focuses specifically on scientific and medical contributions of the Islamic world

Before you go

• There are no additional course costs.
• Learners may wish to bring their own note-taking materials.