Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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We examine the concept of absolute time proposed by Newton, and see how this contrasts with the relativistic picture required by Einstein’s theories. We consider how time might be quantised, rather than continuous, as implied by some versions of loop quantum gravity and string theory. We see how the arrow of time appears to emerge from thermodynamics, whilst considering to what extent this arrow might in fact be illusory. We consider the origins of time in the big bang. Finally we overview the possibility of time travel, and what limitations exist on such a possibility..
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What will we cover?
Absolute versus relativistic time Quantum time The arrow of time Time and the big bang Time travel
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- state and explain the distinctions between absolute and relativistic time - describe the ways in which time might be quantised - describe the emergence of the arrow of time from thermodynamics - explain the origins of time in the birth of the universe - describe the ways in which time travel might be possible - state the theoretical and physical limitations on the possibility of time travel.
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What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous knowledge of physics is required, though it may be useful. However, an enthusiasm for learning and an open and critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from this course..
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive lecture - all information will be supplied via PowerPoint slides which will be made available for download. Students should be prepared to contribute to class discussion and group work..
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Students who wish to take notes will need pen and paper..
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HS327 Chemistry for Fun, Part 2: Inorganic: burning metals and choking gases! HS168 The physics of life HS302 Searching for the ultimate particle HS330 Beyond the Standard Model: supersymmetry in physics HS331 Chemistry for Fun, Part 3, Organic: From Alkanes to Amino Acids.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-physics-of-time1424008The physics of timehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/h/physics-of-time-course.jpg6969GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Physics/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature22851211124116661228512111666<p>In this course, we explore the various different conceptions of time within modern physics.</p>152663760The physics of time6969https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/h/physics-of-time-course_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-02-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2026Business, marketing & technologyHS1816969The physics of time554569Gary Retallickthe-physics-of-time/hs181-2526<p>In this course, we explore the various different conceptions of time within modern physics.</p>0000-Available|2026-02-28 00:00:00<p>We examine the concept of absolute time proposed by Newton, and see how this contrasts with the relativistic picture required by Einstein’s theories. We consider how time might be quantised, rather than continuous, as implied by some versions of loop quantum gravity and string theory. We see how the arrow of time appears to emerge from thermodynamics, whilst considering to what extent this arrow might in fact be illusory. We consider the origins of time in the big bang. Finally we overview the possibility of time travel, and what limitations exist on such a possibility..</p> .<p>In this course, we explore the various different conceptions of time within modern physics.</p><p>Absolute versus relativistic time<br/>Quantum time<br/>The arrow of time<br/>Time and the big bang<br/>Time travel</p><p>- state and explain the distinctions between absolute and relativistic time<br/>- describe the ways in which time might be quantised<br/>- describe the emergence of the arrow of time from thermodynamics<br/>- explain the origins of time in the birth of the universe<br/>- describe the ways in which time travel might be possible<br/>- state the theoretical and physical limitations on the possibility of time travel.</p> .<p>No previous knowledge of physics is required, though it may be useful. However, an enthusiasm for learning and an open and critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from this course..</p><p>Interactive lecture - all information will be supplied via PowerPoint slides which will be made available for download. Students should be prepared to contribute to class discussion and group work..</p><p>No other costs. Students who wish to take notes will need pen and paper..</p><p>HS327 Chemistry for Fun, Part 2: Inorganic: burning metals and choking gases!<br/>HS168 The physics of life<br/>HS302 Searching for the ultimate particle<br/>HS330 Beyond the Standard Model: supersymmetry in physics<br/>HS331 Chemistry for Fun, Part 3, Organic: From Alkanes to Amino Acids.</p>Science & naturePhysicsvirtual556945HS181NONESat28/02/26 - 07/03/2610:30 - 13:0010:3013:002 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetGary RetallickBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-02-28T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2026Business, marketing & technology6969The physics of timethe-physics-of-time/hs181-2526<p>In this course, we explore the various different conceptions of time within modern physics.</p>0000-Available|2026-02-28 00:00:00<p>We examine the concept of absolute time proposed by Newton, and see how this contrasts with the relativistic picture required by Einstein’s theories. We consider how time might be quantised, rather than continuous, as implied by some versions of loop quantum gravity and string theory. We see how the arrow of time appears to emerge from thermodynamics, whilst considering to what extent this arrow might in fact be illusory. We consider the origins of time in the big bang. Finally we overview the possibility of time travel, and what limitations exist on such a possibility..</p> .<p>In this course, we explore the various different conceptions of time within modern physics.</p><p>Absolute versus relativistic time<br/>Quantum time<br/>The arrow of time<br/>Time and the big bang<br/>Time travel</p><p>- state and explain the distinctions between absolute and relativistic time<br/>- describe the ways in which time might be quantised<br/>- describe the emergence of the arrow of time from thermodynamics<br/>- explain the origins of time in the birth of the universe<br/>- describe the ways in which time travel might be possible<br/>- state the theoretical and physical limitations on the possibility of time travel.</p> .<p>No previous knowledge of physics is required, though it may be useful. However, an enthusiasm for learning and an open and critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from this course..</p><p>Interactive lecture - all information will be supplied via PowerPoint slides which will be made available for download. Students should be prepared to contribute to class discussion and group work..</p><p>No other costs. Students who wish to take notes will need pen and paper..</p><p>HS327 Chemistry for Fun, Part 2: Inorganic: burning metals and choking gases!<br/>HS168 The physics of life<br/>HS302 Searching for the ultimate particle<br/>HS330 Beyond the Standard Model: supersymmetry in physics<br/>HS331 Chemistry for Fun, Part 3, Organic: From Alkanes to Amino Acids.</p>Science & naturePhysicsconfigurable
