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Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)

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The Scientific Revolution c.1500-c.1720 signalled the start of modern science. Although the period was less revolutionary than you might expect, and changes sometimes happened for remarkably non-scientific reasons, no period in the history of science was quite so dramatic. It makes for an amazing story.

Please note this course will be studied remotely.

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Overview

Course Programme

Daily sessions (4.30-5.30pm) using Zoom

Please plan to arrive online shortly before the session is due to begin.

Friday 15 May: Overview and outline; historiography and the idea of a ‘revolution’; modern approaches; the dangers of Whig historiography.

Saturday 16 May: Renaissance background: the collapse of the classical hegemony, more or less radical alternatives, the unimportance of astronomy and cosmology (!) and “engineering” as a new science.

Sunday 17 May: Copernicus and Kepler: it turns out that the question is physics, not cosmology.

Monday 18 May: Galileo and the triumph of the new science of mathematical mechanics (or maybe not). Who was reading Galileo?

Tuesday 19 May: Descartes: at last! A new natural philosophy based on mechanics. A pity it doesn’t work, however.

Wednesday 20 May: The mechanical philosophy: failure … but promise. Failed innovations in chemistry. Changing social context of the practicing ‘scientists’. Journals, institutions, communities.

Thursday 21 May: Newton: a new physics, but at the most terrible cost. Newtonianism going forward: experimental physics and mathematical physics

Additional requirements

ICE is committed to providing equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality. We aim to support and encourage under-represented groups, promote an inclusive culture, and value diversity.
Further information about student support.

Course materials

A book list, course syllabus and detailed timetable are circulated as far as possible in advance of a course. You will receive these documents by email if you have provided us with your email address; please check your spam folder if you have not received these documents.

You can also download material from the Documents section at the bottom of this page.

Fees

Fees

Fees for remote-study courses cover the course tuition for all remote sessions. VAT does not apply to course fees and there is no service charge. Payment is by credit/debit card unless otherwise arranged and is taken in full at the time of booking.

Cancellations

You may cancel a course booking at any time. After the 14 day cancellation period has expired, the standard ICE course cancellation policy will apply. Please view our refund and cancellation policy for further details.

Bursaries

The Cambridge University Press (CUP) Bursary Fund offers a bursary of 50% of the course fee to applicants who teach in a UK state school or state-funded further education institution, applying to study a day school, weekend course or online course.

Venue

Virtual Classroom

This course takes place online using the teleconferencing software ZOOM.

If you have any queries about the software or accessing the course, please email the Lifelong Learning team: shortcourses@ice.cam.ac.uk.

What you will need

What you will need

The course is open to anyone, however it is taught via a virtual classroom. You will be able to see, hear and interact with your classmates and the tutor. In order to participate you will need to have a laptop, computer, tablet or other device equipped with a camera (webcam)speakers and a microphone

Full instructions and support on the use of the software will be given on request.

Enquiries

General enquiries

Short Course enquiries
Madingley Hall
Madingley
Cambridge
CB23 8AQ
United Kingdom
01223 746204

Course dates

15 May 2020 to 21 May 2020

Course duration

7 days

Apply by

12 May 2020

Course fee

£70

Academic Directors, Course Directors and Tutors are subject to change, when necessary.

Venue

Virtual Classroom
(via Zoom or equivalent)

Qualifications / Credits

Non-accredited

Course code

1920NRR043