The aim of this class is to impart an understanding of how 'things'- some natural, some manmade, work. Simple analogies and demonstrations are used to establish underlying physical principles and these are then applied to explain the behaviour of real systems. For instance, rainbows can be explained by refraction and reflection of light, the blue sky and red sunset can be explained by the scattering of light waves, the operation of musical instruments can be explained by resonance, waves and harmonics, CD and DVD players can be explained by lasers, Polaroid sunglasses and LCD flat screen televisions can be explained by polarised light waves, ultrasound scanners can be explained in terms of reflection of sound waves, etc. In explaining the underlying processes, some of the history of the development of science and technology and the contributions of individuals is set in context.

The Department of Physics and the Centre for Lifelong Learning collaborate to allow CLL students the unique chance to attend a selection of elective classes on offer to undergraduate students. These classes will provide an insight into entry level study of physics and will be of appeal to anyone with an interest in science and finding out more about how physics plays a part in everyday life. All are suitable for those with no scientific background or experience. Please note, however, that you will be attending first year undergraduate lectures, which differ from the usual format of the Centre’s classes in that no time is allocated to class discussion. Lectures are around 50 minutes duration. Venue information will be sent prior to the start of the class