Autumn

A Geological History of Britain

Britain is home of the science of geology. From staggeringly ancient rocks in north-west Scotland to the ice age sediments of south-eastern England, the UK preserves almost 3 billion years of Earth history. In this course we will delve into the prehistory of Britain, showing how life here evolved, how our climate and environment has changed, and how Scotland was once on a separate continent. Though not compulsory, a scientific or geological background would be beneficial to those taking the course.

Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 08 October 2012
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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The Solar System: Our Cosmological Backyard

Understanding the solar system is the first step in understanding the rest of the universe. This course will take a look under the bonnet of our solar system, and will explain the fundamental physics which govern it. The course will begin by discussing how the solar system was formed. We will then discuss the planets and their moons, asteroid belts and comets before finishing with an analysis of the Sun. No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

Alex Brown MPhys

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 08 October 2012
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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Humans and Animals in the Ice Ages

Large mammals form a distinctive aspect of our natural environment. In the past, they played a crucial role in the survival of hunter-gatherer groups. This course gives an overview of human-animal interactions in ice age Europe. We will consider theoretical debates about our ancestors’ hunting abilities, methods for studying prehistoric mammals, and be introduced to important archaeological sites. It is anticipated that the course will include a visit to the Yorkshire Museum to handle bones and stone artefacts.

Eline van Asperen PhD

• Day: Tuesday
• Start date: 09 October 2012
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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Relativity and what it tells us about Space, Time, Matter and Gravity

Relativity is a theory about space, time, matter, energy and, in its most general form, gravity. In this course we will explore the theory in a simple and direct fashion with hardly any mathematics - though we shall attempt to show where the iconic formula E=mc2 comes from. Together, we will discuss topics such as the nature of time and space, the twin paradox, mass and energy, curved space-time, gravity, black holes, and cosmology.

Prof Malcolm Ludvigsen

• Day: Tuesday
• Start date: 09 October 2012
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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A History of Numbers

A National Insurance number identifies us; the GNP summarises a country’s health. Numbers are so common that we forget they remain one of the most powerful inventions of abstract thought. This course invites you to rediscover numbers and the systems used to represent them. We will consider how increasingly large sets of numbers were introduced for calculation's needs; define prime, perfect and even amicable numbers; explain why π is called transcendental; introduce imaginary numbers; and discuss the idea of infinity.

Alice Courvoisier PhD PGCAP FHEA

• Day: Wednesday
• Start date: 10 October 2012
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 7
• Full fee: £47.00

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Introduction to Zooarchaeology

Cancelled

This course will introduce participants to the methods that can be used to gather information from archaeological animal bones and the relevance of these remains to wider archaeological and ecological study. Designed for people with little or no previous experience in zooarchaeology, it is an ideal introduction to the field. Through short lectures, discussions and hands-on practical workshops, the course will give you practical experience of zooarchaeological methods, helping you to understand the archaeological potential and limitations of zooarchaeology.

Lee G Broderick BA MSc SAC Dip FZS

• Day: Wednesday
• Start date: 10 October 2012
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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Spring

Life Through Time: Evolutionary Palaeontology

In this global tour of the history of life on Earth, we will use fossils to reveal the amazing stories our planet's rocks hold. Which organisms are Earth's success stories? Which species died out and why? How have ecosystems changed through time? All will be revealed, from the tiny, simple organisms of early Earth to the evolutionary origin of humans. No previous experience is required, though a background in geology or biology would be useful.

Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 21 January 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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The Science of Stars

Cancelled

Our lives on Earth are governed by the physics of an object which is 93 million miles away. The Sun has an enormous influence on our daily lives and therefore understanding its inner workings are imperative. This course will discuss the major events which occur during the lifetime of a star. Where do stars come from? How do they produce energy? What happens when stars collide? How do they die?

Alex Brown MPhys

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 21 January 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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Introduction to Ethnoarchaeology

CANCELLED

This course will introduce participants to ethnographic analogy as a range of tools for archaeological research and interpretation. Designed for people with little or no previous experience in ethnoarchaeology, it is an ideal introduction for those with an interest in archaeology and/or ethnography and anthropology. Through short lectures, discussions and workshops, the course will introduce ethnoarchaeological methods, helping you to understand the potential and limitations of ethnographic research in archaeology.

Lee G Broderick BA MSc SAC Dip FZS

• Day: Tuesday
• Start date: 22 January 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 6
• Full fee: £40.50

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The Mathematics of Chaos

From cosmology to biology, many systems, although governed by deterministic equations, display an unpredictable long term behaviour. Spurred by Edward Lorenz's discovery of the sensitivity to initial conditions, the mathematics describing this phenomenon has developed over the past 50 years. They show that unpredictability is a characteristic inherent to numerous systems thus contradicting the clockwork view of the universe that had prevailed since the days of Newton. This course will describe the basics of chaos theory and consider its philosophical implications.

Alice Courvoisier PhD PGCAP FHEA

• Day: Thursday
• Start date: 24 January 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 6
• Full fee: £40.50

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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 spectacular rocks. From the Triassic of Teesside to the Cretaceous of the Humber, we can wander through the entire Mesozoic Era. Deep seas, coal swamps, lakes, deltas, beaches and rivers - rocks of almost every terrestrial environment can be found, along with some fabulous fossils. Introducing you to the geological stories to be found along the length of the coast, your seaside holidays may never be the same again!

Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD

• Day: Saturday
• Start date: 02 March 2013
• Time: 9.30am-4.30pm 
• No. of weeks: 1
• Full fee: £35.00

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Fossils of the Yorkshire Dales

When fossil hunting in Yorkshire, most people head to the coast.  The Yorkshire Dales, however, are a place where a great many interesting specimens can be found. In this one day class, we will examine the geology of the Dales and see some of the characteristic fossils, including corals, sea lilies, and giant ferns.  From tropical reefs to swamp forests, the tales of life in the Dales are more surprising and diverse (and ancient) than you might ever have thought.

Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD

• Day: Saturday
• Start date: 16 March 2013
• Time: 10am-4pm 
• No. of weeks: 1
• Full fee: £35.00
• Venue: Yorkshire Museum

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Summer

Life in the Blue: Exploring and Protecting our Oceans

Cancelled

This exciting 10-week course combines marine biology and conservation issues. Students will journey through our planet’s oceans, examining the wonders that live there and the threats they face. There may be an opportunity to visit the Yorkshire coastline and learn about the range of techniques marine biologists use to discover more about the oceans. This course is open to all and is suitable for anyone with an interest in our seas and their future.

Steve Rocliffe MSc

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 22 April 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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An Introduction to Astronomy

If you've ever wondered how astronomers can observe other galaxies and stars then this is the course for you. Astronomers no longer have to rely on observations through telescopes of visible light. Measuring x-rays, radio waves and microwaves are only a few of the other techniques which astronomers can now use. This course will introduce a number of different methods for observing the cosmos and discuss their results and their implications for modern physics.

Alex Brown MPhys

• Day: Wednesday
• Start date: 24 April 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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Special Relativity

The theory of special relativity was published in 1905 by Albert Einstein. This theory gave rise to the most famous equation in science: E=mc2. The consequences of this theory do not end there. Special relativity allows time and length to be different depending on the movement of the observer. This course will qualitatively introduce special relativity so there is no need for advanced knowledge of mathematics, simply an enquiring mind.

Alex Brown MPhys

• Day: Thursday
• Start date: 25 April 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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Dive In: Introducing Marine Biology

Cancelled 

This two-day introductory course is an excellent way to experience hands-on marine biology and explore UK sea life. Including a trip to the Yorkshire coast and a laboratory session, students will learn about the range of techniques marine biologists employ. Open to all, the course is suitable for anyone keen to get their feet wet! Participants will need to be of a reasonable fitness level and able to make their own way to/from the coast. Strong walking shoes/boots, sunscreen and wet weather gear are essential.

Steve Rocliffe MSc

• Day: 2 consecutive Saturdays
• Start date: 11 May 2013
• Time: 9.30am-4.30pm 
• No. of weeks: 2
• Full fee: £70.00

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An Introduction to Fossils

Why do fossils matter? What do palaeontologists do? How can shells and bones tell us the history of life on Earth? All these topics and more will be examined, 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. No previous experience of the subject is necessary.

Liam Herringshaw BSc PhD

• Day: Saturday
• Start date: 22 June 2013
• Time: 9.30am-4.30pm 
• No. of weeks: 1
• Full fee: £35.00

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