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Although Newton’s work was later reshaped through the prism of Einstein’s relativity, in no sense is his physics outdated - for example, the 2026 orbit of the Moon during the Artemis II mission made extensive use of Newton’s classical mechanics in calculating trajectories and velocities.
We will consider Newton’s insights into key concepts such as velocity, force and gravity in the wider context of his fascinating life, including his interest in alchemy and his somewhat ruthless role as Master of the [Royal] mint.
What will we cover?
Newton's contributions to science
Newton's interest in alchemy
A brief overview of Newton's life
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Evaluate Newton's contributions to science, notably physics, and his enduring impact/relevence today.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Introductory one-off session. All welcome - an interest in Newton, notably his scientific career and achievements and to engage constructively in any class discussions are the only requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
One off interactive lecture.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Notepaper and pen if you wish to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We will run a series of Meet the Scientists sessions this year, on topics including the Royal Society during the Restoration Era; Edward Jenner; and Mary Somerville.
Dr. Gary Retallick Mathematics and Science Gary obtained his Phd in Philosophy of Physics from Kings College London in 2006. His thesis explored the physics of time, touching upon relativity, field equations, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and metaphysics. Gary began his teaching career in computing, going on to teach philosophy for the WEA and Mary Ward Centre, and physics and mathematics at both Birkbeck College London and the Open University. He currently teaches various science related courses, spanning topics in physics, chemistry and mathematics, at City Lit. Languages - Cornish Aside from his career in Science, Gary has an ongoing interest in languages, in particular Cornish, the language of his ancestors. He began studying Cornish at City Lit in 1998, and after passing the grade three Cornish exam with distinction he started to assist his tutor, Jo P'rhys. After a number of years as language assistant to the class, Gary was formally appointed as teacher of the Cornish beginners class, allowing Jo to concentrate on the higher level classes. Gary now teaches both the beginners and lower intermediate classes.
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.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/meet-the-scientists-isaac-newton3062902Meet the Scientists: Isaac Newtonhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/intro-to-philosophy-1024.jpg2929GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Online courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The history of science2285117711781731134721228511771178<p>Explore Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking contributions to the development of physics during this History of Science Late.</p>003062863Meet the Scientists: Isaac Newton2929https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/intro-to-philosophy-1024.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHHS192929Meet the Scientists: Isaac Newton291929Gary Retallickmeet-the-scientists-isaac-newton/hhs19-2627<p>Explore Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking contributions to the development of physics during this History of Science Late.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-22 00:00:00<p>Although Newton’s work was later reshaped through the prism of Einstein’s relativity, in no sense is his physics outdated - for example, the 2026 orbit of the Moon during the Artemis II mission made extensive use of Newton’s classical mechanics in calculating trajectories and velocities.</p><p>We will consider Newton’s insights into key concepts such as velocity, force and gravity in the wider context of his fascinating life, including his interest in alchemy and his somewhat ruthless role as Master of the [Royal] mint.</p><p>Explore Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking contributions to the development of physics during this History of Science Late.</p><ol><li>Newton's contributions to science</li><li>Newton's interest in alchemy</li><li>A brief overview of Newton's life </li></ol><p></p><p>Evaluate Newton's contributions to science, notably physics, and his enduring impact/relevence today.</p><p>Introductory one-off session. All welcome - an interest in Newton, notably his scientific career and achievements and to engage constructively in any class discussions are the only requirements.</p><p>One off interactive lecture.</p><p>No other costs. Notepaper and pen if you wish to take notes.</p><p>We will run a series of Meet the Scientists sessions this year, on topics including the Royal Society during the Restoration Era; Edward Jenner; and Mary Somerville.</p>HistoryThe history of sciencevirtual292919HHS19NONEThu22/10/2619:00 - 21:0019:0021:001 session1One-off onlyEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineGary RetallickBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities2929Meet the Scientists: Isaac Newtonmeet-the-scientists-isaac-newton/hhs19-2627<p>Explore Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking contributions to the development of physics during this History of Science Late.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-22 00:00:00<p>Although Newton’s work was later reshaped through the prism of Einstein’s relativity, in no sense is his physics outdated - for example, the 2026 orbit of the Moon during the Artemis II mission made extensive use of Newton’s classical mechanics in calculating trajectories and velocities.</p><p>We will consider Newton’s insights into key concepts such as velocity, force and gravity in the wider context of his fascinating life, including his interest in alchemy and his somewhat ruthless role as Master of the [Royal] mint.</p><p>Explore Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking contributions to the development of physics during this History of Science Late.</p><ol><li>Newton's contributions to science</li><li>Newton's interest in alchemy</li><li>A brief overview of Newton's life </li></ol><p></p><p>Evaluate Newton's contributions to science, notably physics, and his enduring impact/relevence today.</p><p>Introductory one-off session. All welcome - an interest in Newton, notably his scientific career and achievements and to engage constructively in any class discussions are the only requirements.</p><p>One off interactive lecture.</p><p>No other costs. Notepaper and pen if you wish to take notes.</p><p>We will run a series of Meet the Scientists sessions this year, on topics including the Royal Society during the Restoration Era; Edward Jenner; and Mary Somerville.</p>HistoryThe history of scienceconfigurable
134721178The history of sciencehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/the-history-of-science1/2/285/1177/1178/134721/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The history of science
