Short course
Smaller Than the Atom: A Primer on All Things Quantum
Course status:
Closed to new applications
Dates and time:
25/07/2026 - 01/08/202609:00 - 12:30
Study format:
Summer schools
Fees:
£1,375.00 – £2,310.00
In this course we will explore the quantum world where our everyday intuition no longer allows us to predict the future. Here we can phase through walls, occupy the same space as our neighbours and travel at the speed limit of the universe.
In this course we will start by grounding ourselves with a short history of science focusing on macro-observations and the overall relationship between the various fields of science. We will then turn the dial on our metaphorical microscopes to describe the atom and its relation to one of the most important recurring problems in physics, natural harmonic motion.
We will use our newfound understanding to explore 'quantum oddities' where our macro intuition fails to predict occurrences in the micro-world. These include both thought experiments like Schrödinger’s cat, and experimental observations such as the self-interference of a particle projected at a double slit. We will uncover the rules that let quantum-scale things pass through barriers but stop macro-objects in their tracks.
We will ask, is there a limit on how small we go? Do the concepts of space and time become irrelevant below the Planck-length? By the end of the course, we will have covered the fundamentals underpinning quantum computers, quantum communication and remote sensing.
This course is part of the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) programme.
Apply for this course
Apply using the button below.
Seminars
Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor.
Sunday
Seminar 1
Summary of physics before 1920
Seminar 2
Relationship of physics to the other sciences
Monday
Seminar 3
Concepts that bridge between classical and quantum
Seminar 4
The road to small starts with the atom
Tuesday
Seminar 5:
Atomic details
Seminar 6
Bound electrons and the harmonic oscillator
Wednesday
Seminar 7
Uncertainty: The probability of observation
Seminar 8
Schrödinger: What is a wave function and how to use it.
Thursday
Seminar 9
Quantum Interference
Seminar 10
The subatomic zoo — more than just quarks
Friday
Seminar 11
Am I a particle or just a wave in a field?
Seminar 12
Organizing small: nanometers to the Planch length
Programme timetable
The daily timetable will normally be as follows:
Saturday
14.00–16.30 – Registration
16.30–17.00 – Orientation meeting
17.00–17.30 – Classroom orientation for tutor and students
17.30–18.00 – Drinks reception
18.00–20.00 – Welcome dinner
Sunday – Friday
09.00–10.30 – Seminar
10.30–11.00 – Tea/coffee break
11.00–12.30 – Seminar
12.30–13.30 – Lunch
13.30–18.00 – Afternoons are free for tutorials, individual study, course-related field trips or exploring the many places of interest in and around Oxford.
18.00–19.00 – Dinner (there is a formal gala dinner every Friday to close each week of the programme).
A range of optional social events will be offered throughout the summer school. These are likely to include: a quiz night, visit to historic pubs in Oxford, visit to Christ Church for Evensong and after-dinner talks and discussions.
Residential options are outlined below.
Please see the ‘application’ section above for guidance on how to book or request the right accommodation for you.
Residential option
This includes accommodation and all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
View full details of Rewley House accommodation.
Non-residential option
We also offer places on a non-residential basis whereby participants can take classes and have meals (lunch and dinner) at Rewley House, having arranged their own accommodation elsewhere.
Course aims
This course aims to provide a clear description of the quantum world including how it fits in with other sciences and everyday life. It will provide a starting point for understanding new technology such as quantum computing, communication and sensing.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will have been given the opportunity to understand:
- the differences between the classical world and the quantum world.
- quantum states, wave functions and their relationship with the observed world.
- the basic concepts underpinning quantum technologies.
Teaching methods
The teaching methods used during this course may include:
- Short lectures/presentations
- Physical handouts
- Seminars/group discussions
- Student presentations
Assessment methods
Participants are required to undertake preparatory reading and complete a pre-course assignment of 1,500 words. Although this does not count towards credit, it is seen as an important way of developing your ideas and is mandatory. The pre-course assignment is typically due in the first week of June.
You will be assessed during the summer school by either a 1,000 word written assignment or a presentation supported by individual documentation. To successfully gain credit (10 CATS points) students should attend all classes and complete the on-course assignment.
Participants will attend two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor during the week.
Please see the ‘certification’ section for more details about CATS points.
Dr Timothy Charlton
Timothy Charlton has a doctorate in physics specializing in material science and magnetism. He has performed peer reviewed experiments at large science facilities world-wide including the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source located in Oxfordshire where he worked for 14 years before moving abroad.
Certificate of Attendance
All participants who complete the course will receive a physical Certificate of Attendance.
Digital badge
You will also be issued with an official digital badge of attendance. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download this. You will be able to share this on social media and add to your email signature if you wish to do so.
Academic credit
OUSSA is an accredited summer school taught at undergraduate level; each one-week course carries 10 CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points at FHEQ (Framework for Higher Education Qualification) Level 4.
CATS points will be awarded to students who attend all classes and complete the on-course assignment to the required standard. Please see the ‘assessment methods’ section below for more details.
Certificate of Higher Education
Credit (CATS points) earned from OUSSA can be transferred towards our flexible Certificate of Higher Education. This part-time, award-bearing course lets you decide what, how and where you study by gaining credit from short courses, including short online courses, in-person weekly classes and OUSSA.
For full details, including transfering credit gained from OUSSA to the programme, see our Certificate of Higher Education programme page.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Fee Option 1 (Single en suite – inc. Tuition and Meals) | £2205.00 |
| Fee Option 2 (Double en suite – inc. Tuition and Meals) 1 person | £2310.00 |
| Fee Option 3 (Twin en suite – inc. Tuition and Meals) per person | £1850.00 |
| Fee Option 4 (No Accommodation – inc. Tuition, Lunch & Dinner) | £1375.00 |
Payment
All fees are charged on a per week, per person basis.
Please be aware that all payments made via non-UK credit/debit cards and bank accounts are subject to the exchange rate on the day they are processed.
Course change administration fee: Please note that course transfers may be permitted in exceptional circumstances; however, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions, an administration fee of £50 will be charged.
Payment terms
- If enrolling online: full payment by credit/debit card at the time of booking
- If submitting an application form: full payment online by credit/debit card or via bank transfer within 30 days of invoice date
Cancellations and refunds
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
The Department cannot be held responsible for any costs you may incur in relation to travel or accommodation bookings as a result of a course cancellation, or if you are unable to attend the course for any other reason. You are advised to check the terms and conditions carefully and to purchase travel insurance.
Funding
Concessionary rates are available on a non-residential basis for those that qualify.
The concessionary fee is for non-residential attendance only; participants will then be responsible for finding their own accommodation. See full details including eligibility.
Recommended reading
Richard P. Feynman (2011). Six Easy Pieces. Basic Books.
Module code: O25I308SSR
Most courses fill quickly so early registration is strongly recommended. If your preferred course is fully booked, you may wish to add yourself to the waiting list and the Programme Administrator will contact you should a place become available.
Please note, the programme is only open to those over the age of 18.
Online enrolment (single person accommodation and non-residential)
Single accommodation, double room for 1 person and non-residential places should be booked online by clicking on the ‘Book now’ button at the top of this page.
Online enrolments require payment in full at the time of registering.
Enrolment form (multi-occupancy or accessible accommodation)
Those requiring twin, double or accessible accommodation (including ground/lower floor accommodation) should complete an enrolment form as these rooms cannot be booked or requested online.
Please send the completed enrolment form to the email address below. Both the PDF and Word option of the form below are editable, so you can complete them online before saving and sending to us as an email attachment. You do not need to print and scan them. (Please use these forms only if you are making a twin or double booking for two people.)
- Enrolment form – editable PDF
- Enrolment form – Microsoft Word
Those who have specific requirements (eg an accessible bedroom) should contact the Programme Administrator directly at oussa@conted.ox.ac.uk or OUSSA, University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education, 1 Wellington Square, OXFORD, OX1 2JA, UK.