Curious physics: problem-solving with physics and maths

The course will build upon the concepts from the giants of physics, Newton and Einstein to name just two, and through the applications of mathematics challenge you to solve a variety of problems from the esoteric to the cutting edge. The focus and aim is not learning but understanding and thinking, analysis and logic.

The problems that we will be solving increase in difficulty and are hosted on an online learning platform called isaacphysics.org (the course will be supported and conducted using a variety of online tools). Isaac Physics is host to over 400 physics problems as well as challenges and extraordinary problems that we will work on and discuss during the course. To support and facilitate the physics Isaac also contains practice mathematics questions which students will also be encouraged to engage with before and during the course.

The culmination of the course will be to discuss unusual phenomena such as how and why such things as chain fountains can exist (http://youtu.be/-eEi7fO0_O0)? How can sail boats go faster than the wind? Can a normal car really do a vertical loop the loop?

The ultimate outcome is that you will boost your confidence and problem solving skills in physics and mathematics through a series of curious puzzles.