Amazing Scientific Ideas
In this course we explore some of the wonderful ideas in science which have led to our present understanding of the world around us. After a brief introduction to science (in which we also look at some of its failed theories), we begin our in-depth examination of a selection of scientific ideas and of how they developed, including perhaps:
• The Big Bang.
• The Heliocentric Solar System.
• How Living Things are classified and named.
• Plate Tectonics.
• The Periodic Table.
• The Germ Theory of Disease.
• The Structure of the Atom.
• The Age of the Earth.
• Quantum Theory.
This course will not require a background in Science as each topic will be developed from scratch.
Event Information
Price: £152
Course Weeks: 10
Room: Weston Room
Campaign: Spring Term 2026
Customer Information: A pen, notepad and/or device are optional.
Your Tutor
Name: Christopher Woolston
Bio: Dr Christopher Woolston, PhD, CSci, CChem, FRSC, is passionate about all aspects of science and its history. For most of his career he has been a teacher and lecturer, his main specialisms being Chemistry and Physics. He did his Doctorate (in organic chemistry and cancer research) over a six-year period whilst teaching full-time. In addition, he has worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a medicinal chemist, carried out technical reviews of new science books for the publishers Harper-Collins, and served on the council of the Geologists’ Association. His interests include classical music and opera, the Victorian exploration of Africa and, of course, all aspects of science and natural history, and he is keen on hill walking, swimming, and cycling.
Department: Humanities