Understanding Space and Time

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

To provide an introduction to the concepts of space and time and to the basic ideas, principles and applications of Einstein's theory of relativity.

Course Objectives:

1. To provide a basic understanding of the modern scientific conception of space and time.

2. To introduce the principles of Einstein's special theory of relativity and general theory of relativity, emphasising the conceptual and descriptive content, especially in relation to space and time.

3. To provide an overview of our current model of the Universe and the evidence on which it is based.

Power point presentations

Classwork/discussions/debates

Reading scientific papers

Video presentations/computer simulations

By the end of the course students will be expected to:

1. Understand the basic principles of physical theories of space and time

2. Communicate their understanding using the appropriate scientific terminology

3. Assess the validity and reliability of relevant scientific information

A single, 1,500 word essay

Coursework is an integral part of all weekly classes and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework in order to benefit fully from the course. Only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work the required standard.

Students must submit a completed Declaration of Authorship form at the end of term when submitting your final piece of work. CATS points cannot be awarded without the aforementioned form - Declaration of Authorship form

Introductory level. The course is open to all.

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)

To earn credit (CATS points) you will need to register and pay an additional £30 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Students who register for CATS points will receive a Record of CATS points on successful completion of their course assessment.

Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process can either register for CATS points prior to the start of their course or retrospectively from the January 1st after the current full academic year has been completed. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.