We draw on the expertise of senior academics at Cambridge, to offer courses in a variety of scientific fields. This programme is suitable for undergraduates and graduates in sciences, as well as teachers and other professionals. The programme also welcomes those with a strong interest, but with little formal science training.
Academic programme
- One special subject course per week
- Plenary course P01:
Curiosity - Practical sessions
- Evening talks
Special subject courses
Each course meets five times. You may choose to follow a particular track by selecting courses in related subject fields, but an interdisciplinary approach is also encouraged.
Term I:
Week 1: 11.15am – 12.45pm
P02 - Evolution evidence - This course is now full
P03 - Introduction to social psychology - This course is now full
P04 - The wonderful world of problem solving
P05 - Volcanic eruptionsCancelled
Week 2: 11.15am – 12.45pm
P06 - Forensic archaeology and anthropology: an introduction
P07 - An introduction to animal behaviour
P08 - Autism: a modern epidemic?
P09 - How does your immune system work?
Term II:
Week 3: 11.15am – 12.45pm
P10 - Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
P11 - Can we geoengineer the climate?
P12 - Introduction to data scienceCancelled
P13 - Colourful physics: nature's paintbrush
Week 4: 11.15am – 12.45pm
P14 - Codes, ciphers and secrets: an introduction to cryptography
P15 - Memory: psychological and neurobiological perspectives
P16 - Today's universe
P17 - Early stage drug discovery
Plenary lectures
All participants are registered for a course of plenary lectures entitled Curiosity. Lectures focus both on the present and past limits of current knowledge, and how the quest for knowledge has been driven by the need to find solutions to difficult questions posed by hunger, disease, conflict, and climate change.
Practical sessions
Materials Science, ecological, geological and mathematical ‘trails’ are amongst the practical sessions planned, along with visits to institutes and laboratories in Cambridge.
In 2014,Term I practicals included: An ecology trail in the University Botanic Garden, a geology trail and a zoology practical session.
Term II practicals included: A botany trail in the University Botanic Garden, a mathematics practical and an astronomy site session.
Evening lectures
These lectures provide introductions to additional aspects of science.
A typical day
On each weekday morning you attend a plenary lecture, followed by a class from your special subject course. Workshops take place on some afternoons. Subject specific and joint lectures are offered in the evenings.
College 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.
Information for applicants
Download
The quickest way to apply is by using our secure online booking system. You can also apply by downloading an application form (pdf) and sending it by post or fax.