Ever feel that you are going round in circles? Does time pass you by faster than it should? If the answer to either of these questions is yes then this is the course for you. In this course we will solve puzzles both mathematically and practically in topics such as gyroscopic motion, time dilation and length contraction alongside answering questions like can you ride a bicycle in a vertical loop-the-loop? Can we stay younger for longer?
The course will build upon the concepts from the giants of physics, Newton and Einstein to name just two, through the applications of mathematics to challenge you to solve a variety of problems in rotational mechanics and special relativity. 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 supported by 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.
Each session will open with a short introduction to the ideas of the session but the most of the time will be spent working in groups and with the lecturer to solve problems or undertake practical investigations related to the content of the course – this course is about learning by doing NOT learning by listening. The ultimate outcome is that you will boost your confidence and problem solving skills in physics and mathematics through a series of curious puzzles.
Please note, this course requires a knowledge of differential calculus and some integral calculus as well as fluency in high school level algebra and goniometry.
