About this course
Imagine if you travelled back in time 100 years, still armed with all of today’s technology and understanding. Would mobile phones, GPS, weather forecasting, medical imaging, self-driving cars, television – be classed as magic? Most sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, until you can “look behind the curtain”.
Conceptual Physics attempts to take the “magic” out of natural phenomena and technology we encounter in everyday life, applying a few principles to make sense of a wide variety of things we encounter in our daily lives and de-mystify the workings of nature and modern technology.
The course begins with an exploration of motion and forces, the laws of velocity, acceleration, friction, and gravity which dictate most aspects of our everyday lives. We then proceed to examine the fundamentals of sound and light waves, the phenomena which are central to our sensory experience of the world around us. In the final part of the course we investigate thermodynamics and energy, an area of scientific enquiry which is increasingly relevant as the world seeks to combat the effects of climate change.
Knowledge is power, and this course, designed for science and non-science students alike, will start you on your journey to understand the principles that underpin the world we live in.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is suitable for students who are interested in understanding physics concepts, and how they allow us to understand natural phenomena, and modern technology. The course is suitable for students from physical science backgrounds who have completed one year of undergraduate study, or non-science students at any stage of study. It does not require Maths beyond high school level. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel is encouraged but not required (there will be a short masterclass in the first week).
Dates and availability
Available as a Residential course on the following dates:
Session 3: 10th August - 28th August 2026