MA123-4-FY: LIFE, THE UNIVERSE & EVERYTHING: THE PRINCIPLES OF MODERN SCIENCE
Year: 2013/14
Department: Mathematical Sciences
Essex credit: 30
ECTS credit: 15
Available to Study Abroad / Exchange Students: Yes
| Module is taught during the following terms |
| Autumn |  | Spring | | Summer | |
Module Description
The course gives a wide-ranging introduction to many of the very important ideas in contemporary science. Although the course will be given by experts from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, there are no mathematical prerequisites to the course. The course is aimed at students from all backgrounds who wish to learn more about things like Evolution, Quantum Theory, Relativity and other key ideas.
Syllabus Topics covered will include cosmology, the nature of space and time and reality at very small and very large scales, life in the Universe, evolution, DNA, genes and the human genome;
On completion of the course students should: have developed a broad knowledge of the important principles that underpin modern science with a more detailed appreciation of some of these ideas.
Learning & Teaching Methods
The course consists of 40 lectures, with two lectures being given each week throughout the Autumn and Spring Terms. These will be supplemented by fortnightly classes. In the summer term 3 revision lectures are given.
Assessment
50 per cent Coursework Mark, 50 per cent Exam Mark
Exam Duration and Period
2:00 hour exam during Summer Examination period.
Other information
Each term students will submit an essay (2x15%) and sit one multiple-choice test (2x10%), giving a 50% coursework total. The remaining 50% is for the examination, based on a choice of essays.
Available independently to Socrates/IP students spending all relevant terms at Essex.
Bibliography
- Main text;
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J. Gribbin. Science, a History.
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Supplementary texts:
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B. Bryson, "A short history of everything".
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K. Croswell, "Alchemy of the Heavens".
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J. Gleick," Chaos".
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J. Gribbin "In Search of Schrodinger's Cat."
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H. Judson "The Eighth Day of Creation".
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L. Lederman and C. Hill "Symmetry and the Beautiful Universe".
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R. Penrose "The Emperor's New Mind".
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M. Ridley "Genome".