Short course
The Quantum Universe
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
01/10/2026 - 03/12/202619:00 - 21:00
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£315.00
From Planck's quanta of light to Planck's star in loop quantum gravity and quanta of time, this course offers an introduction to the quantum universe.
We will cover the development of the notion of quanta, from its origin as a solution to the ultraviolet catastrophe in the emission of radiation, to its ultimate consequence – the potential quantisation of space and time.
Using a minimum amount of mathematical terminology, the course explores the revolutionary theory of quanta, its many successes, its various interpretations, some of its applications, and its problematic relation with the theory of relativity.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Thursday 1 October 2027
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Thursdays, 7.00-9.00pm.
Week 1: Introduction: Ultraviolet catastrophe and the hypothesis of quanta
Week 2: Quantum orbits
Week 3: Wave-particle duality
Week 4: Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
Week 5: Interpretations of quantum mechanics
Week 6: Unifying quantum mechanics and relativity
Week 7: Quantum field theory
Week 8: The Standard Model
Week 9: Quantum gravity
Week 10: Quantum cosmology
Course aims
- Understanding that the quantum universe operates in a fundamentally different way from the more familiar world of classical physics.
- Understand the theoretical context of quanta and the experimental evidence of quantisation.
- Become familiar with the various interpretations of quantum physics.
- Describe some of the most recent developments of quantum gravity.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will have been given the opportunity to:
- Become familiar with the concept of quantum and the wave-particle dualism.
- Distinguish between and evaluate the advantages of several of the main interpretations of quantum physics.
- Be comfortable about the counter-intuitive principles of quantum physics and some of their consequences.
- Gather an insight of the current theories of the origin of the universe.
Level and demands
This is an introductory course that does not assume any previous familiarity with quantum physics.
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, ie 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.
Teaching methods
- PowerPoint presentations
- Use of white board
- Group discussions
- Oral presentations
- Group activities
Assessment methods
Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation, in advance of the course start date, can submit coursework/assignments for assessment.
Assessment
You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first of 500 words is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome but preparing for it, and the feedback you are given, will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.
Dr Marina Debattista Debattista
Marina Debattista has a PhD in Physics, specialising in quantum field theory, and is currently interested in the popularisation of science.
Academic credit
Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS Points)
Please note, students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you wish to gain credit from completing this course you must register to do so before the course starts.
Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail.
Learn more about the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme.
If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education at the Department you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee for assessment and accreditation.
Digital certificate of completion
Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee (with no assessment) | £315.00 |
| Assessment and Accreditation fee | £60.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, 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
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- The New Quantum Age: From Bell’s Theorem to Quantum Computers and Teleportation / A. Whitaker
Module code: O26P596PYW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.
How to register for accreditation and assessment
To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for this course, if you wish to do so, you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.
Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.
If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education at the Department you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.