Science Summer School

Term I: 7 – 20 July 2013
Term II: 21 July – 3 August 2013
Programme Director: Dr Rob Wallach

Cambridge is recognised world-wide for the quality of its scientific research and science education. The Science Summer School draws on the expertise of a range of senior academics to teach across a variety of scientific fields. We strongly advise that participants prepare well, reading the books and articles suggested by the Course Directors.

Who should apply?

Students who have completed at least one year at an institute of higher education, or adults who bring other ‘life experience’. Some 65% of participants are current undergraduate or graduate students, 35% are aged 25-85+. Participants must also meet our language requirements.

The academic programme

• Plenary course P01:
  Creation and Discovery
• One special subject course per week
• A choice of programme-related visits
• Evening lectures

Special subject courses

You choose one course for each week. Each course meets five times, during the mornings. You may choose to follow a particular track by selecting courses in related subject fields, but an interdisciplinary approach is also encouraged.

Term I: 7 - 20 July

Week 1 (7 - 13 July)

11.00am - 12.30pm

P02 Evolution evidence

P03 Our evolving world: the contribution of materials science

P04 Introduction to social psychology

P05 Themes in the philosophy of science

Week 2 (14 - 20 July)

11.00am - 12.30pm

P06 From atoms to galaxies: the astronomer's view

P07 The mathematics of networks

P08 Autism: a modern epidemic?

P09 Building a brain: the organisation and development of the nervous system

Term II: 21 July - 3 August

Week 3 (21 - 27 July)

11.00am - 12.30pm

P10 The captured thought: an experimental analysis of how minds work

P11 Materials science, energy generation and sustainability

P12 Keeping up with the Universe Cancelled

P13 Early stage drug discovery

Week 4 (28 July - 3 August)

11.00am - 12.30pm

P14 Complex networks: insights into the organisation of biological systems

P15 Memory: psychological and neurobiological perspectives

P16 Colourful physics: nature's paintbrush

P17 Codes, ciphers and secrets: an introduction to cryptography

Plenary lectures

All participants are registered for a course of plenary lectures entitled Creation and Discovery. These talks constitute a unique opportunity to hear from acknowledged experts about current developments, to learn about the impact of current (and past) discoveries and research, and to consider the responsibilities faced by scientists and policy-makers.

Programme-related visits

Programme-related visits to museums and institutes in Cambridge may offer an insight into ‘cutting edge’ research, or a chance to reassess subjects with which you are already familiar.

Evening lectures

Evening lectures extend the plenary series, providing introductions to additional aspects of science at Cambridge and beyond.

A typical day

Download a PDFof the daily schedule of the Science Summer School programme.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available for participants who want to stay in a Cambridge College. Please see the accommodation options available for this programme.

Non-residential attendance is also available if participants prefer to find their own lodgings.

Programme fees

Programme fees include tuition, bed, breakfast and evening meals unless otherwise indicated.

Download the fees page to see the options available.

Pre-enrolment information

Booking terms and conditions