Exploring the quantum world
Time: 19:45 - 21:45
Location: Keeley Street
Course Code: HS003
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The father of quantum theory, Neils Bohr, said: ‘Anyone who is not shocked by this theory has failed to understand it.’ Come and be shocked by the possibilities offered by quantum theory and discover how it helps us to understand the universe. You will be given a broadly non-mathematical grounding in the basics of the quantum world.
What will we cover?
- Historical background of classical physics
- Decline of classical physics
- Old and new Quantum Theory
- The standard, i.e. Copenhagen, interpretation
- Other interpretations and recent developments/experiments
- Implications for our conception of reality.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Describe the historical background of classical physics
- Discuss and analyse the decline of classical physics
- Outline the main ideas within quantum physics
- Identify and analyse the realism / anti-realism debate.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required. However, you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and to participate fully in discussions. GCSE-level knowledge of physics or science (or equivalent) would be useful background knowledge but not essential and mathematical skills will not be required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught in a number of different ways including presentations with visual examples, discussions and group work.
Radmila Topalovic holds a degree in Physics with Astrophysics and a PhD in Astrochemistry. She has taught physics, maths and astronomy for almost ten years, and is particularly passionate about quantum physics and astrobiology. She is a former astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring a notepad and pen. No, there are no additional costs for the course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to join other courses taught by Radmila:
HS212 Astrophysics: an introduction on 26/02/23 or HS293 Astrophysics: an introduction on 25/06/23
HS168 The Physics of life on 07/05/23
Other physics courses:
HS181 The Physics of time on 17/06 & 24/06/23.
Rad heads up Science & Engineering at Kaplan International College in London Bridge, having spent more than seven years at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich developing and delivering world-class education programmes. She holds a degree in Physics with Astrophysics and a PhD in Astrochemistry, and has taught physics, maths and astronomy for almost ten years. Her biggest passions are quantum physics and astrobiology. https://twitter.com/Rad_T
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
