Science and Earth Science
Autumn Term: October 2011 - December 2011
Spring Term: January 2012 - March 2012
Summer Term: April 2012 - June 2012
The Biosphere: an Introduction to Environmental Science
To appreciate the biosphere, the Earth’s overall ecosystem, it is first necessary to understand and interpret the individual global cycles and processes occurring in the water and air, and on the land. This course, through a series of lectures, seminars and discussions, will initially focus on three individual areas of the environment: the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere. As the course progresses it will look at the interactions between these individual areas, before finally looking at human involvement. Through a series of case studies, our place in the biosphere will be examined and the effect we have had - and are having - on the interconnected global environment. No prior knowledge of the course or the subject is required.
Carol Lang BSc and Helen Stokes BSc MSc
Term: Autumn
Day: Monday
Start Date: 10 October 2011
Time: 7-9pm
No. of weeks: 10
Full fee: £67.00
Quantum Theory: its History, its Uses, and its Meaning
Quantum theory lies at the centre of all things. It is a universal theory of unprecedented accuracy, beauty and utility, and without it we would be at a loss to explain much of the physical world. And yet nobody understands it! Einstein thought the theory incomplete, but recent experiments which touch on the very nature of physical reality have shown that he was probably wrong. Some think that this leads to the mesh of many universes, some think the problems will vanish when a better theory comes along, but most prefer not to think about it at all.
The course is intended for those who do wish to think about it but don’t have the technical knowledge or mathematical skills for a ‘normal’ course. It will be about quantum theory’s role in our understanding of the world, what it tells us about the nature of reality, and how seriously we should take it.
Professor Malcolm Ludvigsen
Term: Autumn
Day: Tuesday
Start Date: 11 October 2011
Time: 7-9pm
No. of weeks: 10
Full fee: £67.00
This is Planet Earth: an Introduction to Geology
Living in Britain, a land devoid of volcanoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes, it can appear that the Earth is a solid, quiescent place. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this introductory course, we will reveal the dynamic nature of the planet we live on, its origins, its turbulent past and the ongoing processes that shape and re-shape the landscape. From the formation of fossils to the theory of plate tectonics, the course will explain the fundamental concepts in geology, enabling you to go out and read the stories hidden in the rocks. Travelling the world without leaving the classroom, participants will be introduced to the ideas, discoveries and controversies that make geology the most exciting science on Earth. Each session will consist of presentations, discussions and examination of geological specimens, and no previous knowledge of geology is required.
Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD
Term: Autumn
Day: Tuesday
Start Date: 11 October 2011
Time: 7-9pm
No. of weeks: 10
Full fee: £67.00
A Very Short History of the Earth: 4.6 Billion Years of Earth History in One Day
On a human time scale, the history of the Earth is simply unfathomable. We’re told it began more than four-and-a-half billion years ago, but how does anyone know that? Who first figured out the age of the planet? When did life get going and how? And is it really true that the Earth was once a giant snowball? In this one-day class, we will hurtle through time on a mission to answer these questions and many more, telling the extraordinary story of the place we call home. As with all science, absolute certainty is impossible, but we can definitely reveal some interesting ideas and theories (not to mention rocks and fossils) and have a lot of fun along the way. All are welcome, and no previous experience of science is required.
Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD
Term: Autumn
Day: Saturday
Start Date: 10 December 2011
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
No. of weeks: 1
Full fee: £35.00
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Spring Term: January 2012 - March 2012
Life: an Introduction to the First Four Billion Years
The emergence and subsequent evolution of life on Earth is a fascinating subject which has been studied for centuries, ever since scientists in the 17th Century first recognised fossils as the remains of once-living organisms. Progress in understanding that history is ongoing, with many recent discoveries of key components of the fossil record. From the earliest micro-organisms living in oceans on an alien early Earth, through the first multi-cellular species to more familiar forms (including fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals) researchers have recovered the remains of thousands of species and studied their anatomy, ecology and evolution by a multitude of methods. This course will provide a (very) brief introduction to the four billion year history of life on Earth by focusing on key events such as the emergence of life, the rise of atmospheric oxygen and the origins of major groups of organisms. No prior knowledge is required.
Luke Hillary MBiolSci and Isabelle Winder MSc BSc
Term: Spring
Day: Monday
Start Date: 23 January 2012
Time: 7-9pm
No. of weeks: 8
Full fee: £53.50
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Unfortunately this course has been cancelled |
From Plato to Einstein: a Brief History of Scientific Ideas
This course explores some of the important scientific and technological advances which have been made since the human mind searched for answers about the origin of the universe, the nature of its matter and structure, the purpose of life, beginnings and endings. Perhaps questions shall be raised which may lead no further than speculation: nevertheless, ensuing discussion will be stimulating and informative. Philosophy, history, theology and science have a common focus within this topic whilst their interaction shaped both the ancient and modern world. Hence, following the simplistic base of Biblical Cosmology, the Greek philosophers were to set the scene for our quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Thereafter, stretches the long trail of discovery and technological innovation within the context of the ‘Scientific Revolution’, ‘The Enlightenment’, and the ‘Modern World View’, each of which often influenced political, social and economic progress.
Clifton Stockdale LCP MEd PhD AcDip
Term: Spring
Day: Tuesday
Start Date: 24 January 2012
Time: 10.15am-12.15pm
No. of weeks: 8
Full fee: £53.50
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Unfortunately this course has been cancelled |
The F Word: an Introduction to Palaeontology
Why do fossils matter? What do palaeontologists do? How can shells and bones tell us the history of life on Earth? Where does life go from here? All these topics and more will be examined in this introductory palaeontology course, uncovering the pioneers of the subject, the fossils you’re most likely to discover and the best places to find them. Participants will study the common fossil groups, learn how to identify fossil tracks and traces, and learn how to identify ancient environments based on key fossil types. We will also study how fossils are used to tell the geological time, studying the species that lived and died at different points in Earth history, and the commercial and academic usefulness of different fossil groups. Sessions will combine presentations, discussions and examination of fossil specimens, and no previous knowledge of the subject is required.
Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD
Term: Spring
Day: Tuesday
Start Date: 24 January 2012
Time: 7-9pm
No. of weeks: 8
Full fee: £53.50
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Before and After the Philosopher’s Stone
Commonplace substances, for example, materials such as plastics, drugs, detergents, polyesters, aspirin and therapies including radiotherapy reflect advances in modern chemistry. This introduction to the history of chemistry will show that despite early discoveries, the acquisition of chemical knowledge has been painfully slow compared with other sciences, whilst its association with magic, conferred an atmosphere of secrecy. Geographically, the scope of this course will take us from the ‘Snow of China’ and through the prejudices of ‘Greek Aristotelianism’; from thence, its development shall be traced via ‘Islamic Chemistry’, the mystical sorcery of ‘Alchemy’ and the ‘Monastery Gardens of Europe’. Such movements paved the way for the analysis and synthesis of complex forms of chemical substances and materials which offered the promise of ‘a new world order’ and of ‘human hope’. Reflectively, however, sight shall not be lost of the potentially sinister applications of the professional chemist’s work.
Clifton Stockdale LCP MEd PhD AcDip
Term: Spring
Day: Thursday
Start Date: 26 January 2012
Time: 1.15-3.15pm
No. of weeks: 8
Full fee: £53.50
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Unfortunately this course has been cancelled |
Fossils of the Yorkshire Coast
The Yorkshire Coast has a fabulous array of fossiliferous sites, some well-known, some far less so. This one-day class will show you examples of the common fossils to be found, and give you an idea of what you might find where, and how. It will also explain how a bit of beach-combing can help improve our understanding of the history of life on Earth. The chances of finding a dinosaur are very small, but you never know...
The class is open to anyone with an interest in natural history, regardless of previous experience.
Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD
Term: Spring
Day: Saturday
Start Date: 18 February 2012
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
No. of weeks: 1
Full fee: £35.00
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Identifying and Recording Wildlife: Spring
This course aims to equip you with the skills needed to identify some of the amazing creatures found in and around the freshwater of the University campus. You’ll learn what an identification key is and how to use it to identify species, focusing in particular on the small invertebrates living under the water and the rather larger birds that live on top of it! The course will include a walk on the University campus identifying species in situ. You’ll learn what a wildlife record is, why they are important and how to make one. If you’ve got a digital camera, we’ll show you how to use it to take a decent wildlife photograph, regardless of whether you’ve got a compact digital camera, or a fancy digital SLR. We’ll end the day by suggesting places and organisations to get in touch with to take your interest further.
Chris West BSc PhD and Sarah West BA MSc
Term: Spring
Day: Saturday
Start Date: 17 March 2012
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
No. of weeks: 1
Full fee: £35.00
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Enrol and Pay at the Online Store |
Summer Term: April 2012 - June 2012
The Science Behind the Headlines
This course will equip you with the tools to read science stories in the media with a more critical eye. Taking a topical story each week, we will consider the scientific issues contained within it, and how they have been presented in the media. We will learn about the questions we should ask in order to explore a scientific claim, and our journey behind the headlines will also take us into the philosophy of science, critical thinking and how to spot flaws in arguments. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident about challenging claims made by the media, and will enjoy exploring the complexities of science.
Hilary M Jones BSc DPhil PhD
Term: Summer
Day: Thursday
Start Date: 26 April 2012
Time: 7-9pm
No. of weeks: 10
Full fee: £67.00
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Geology of the Yorkshire Coast
Though Dorset tries to monopolise the headlines, Yorkshire’s own Dinosaur Coast preserves the same succession of rocks, and just as spectacularly. From the Triassic of Teesside to the Cretaceous of the Humber, we can wander through the entire Mesozoic Era, and often in amazing detail. Deep seas, coal swamps, lakes, deltas, beaches and rivers – rocks of almost every terrestrial environment can be found, along with some fabulous fossils. This course will introduce you to the geological stories to be found along the length of the coast, pointing out all the best rock-spots along the way. The course will be classroom-based, but if weather and transport work in our favour, we might just be able to get out and inspect some of the best sites in person.
Warning: your seaside holidays may never be the same again.
Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD
Term: Summer
Day: Wednesday
Start Date: 25 April 2012
Time: 7-9pm
No. of weeks: 10
Full fee: £67.00
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Identifying and Recording Wildlife: Summer
This course aims to equip you with the skills needed to find and identify some of the amazing invertebrates that can be found in and around hedgerows. You’ll learn what an identification key is and how to use it to identify species, focusing on both the plant species found in hedgerows and the invertebrates found living on and under the hedge. The course will include a walk on the University campus identifying species in situ. You’ll learn what a wildlife record is, why they are important and how to make one. If you’ve got a digital camera, we’ll show you how to use it to take a decent wildlife photograph, regardless of whether you’ve got a compact digital camera, or a fancy digital SLR. We’ll end the day by suggesting places and organisations to get in touch with to take your interest further.
Chris West BSc PhD and Sarah West BA MSc
Term: Summer
Day: Saturday
Start Date: 19 May 2012
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
No. of weeks: 1
Full fee: £35.00
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The Tracks of Ancient Life: Studying Fossil Tracks, Trails and Burrows
'Out of sight, out of mind’, the saying goes, and in the case of burrowing creatures, this could hardly be more true. The ecological impact of burrowing creatures is enormous, yet they are often ignored. Well, not any more! In this one-day course, we will examine the fossil record and modern environments to show how important these organisms are to life on Earth. We will learn how to identify fossil tracks, trails and burrows in the rocks. From this, we can figure out a whole variety of amazing things, from how fast a dinosaur could move to how burrowing creatures turned the world 3D. We will also discuss Darwin’s love of burrowing worms, how to run your own burrowing experiments, and why scientists destroy small bits of Yorkshire in the name of geology. Through photographs, specimens and demonstrations, ancient tracks will be brought to life. No previous experience of the subject is necessary, and everyone is welcome.
Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD
Term: Summer
Day: Saturday
Start Date: 09 June 2012
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
No. of weeks: 1
Full fee: £35.00
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Enrol and Pay at the Online Store |
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