Newton’s second law put force at the centre of the mechanical view of the world. The two great theories of the twentieth century, the theory of relativity and quantum physics, each developed the concept of force in new, unexpected ways. Relativity views the force of gravity as a distortion of space-time, while at atomic level forces appear mediated by messenger particles. Einstein’s quest for the unification of the fundamental forces of nature is still being pursued today. The course overviews the historical evolution of the modern concept of force and focusses on the current theories of quantum gravity.
The Quest for a Unified Theory of the Four Fundamental Forces of Nature
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings which take place in Oxford.
Overview
Programme details
Courses starts: 23 Jan 2026
Week 1: The concept of force: a brief history
Week 2: The four fundamental forces of nature
Week 3: Newton, 1687: The first unification
Week 4: Maxwell, 1873: The second unification
Week 5: Einstein’s theory of Gravity
Week 6: Quantum theory and the Standard Model
Week 7: The Planck scale
Week 8: Big Bang Expansion and the fundamental forces
Week 9: The quest for quantum gravity
Week 10: Physics beyond the Standard Model
Recommended reading
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Continuing Education Library for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are welcome to use the Library for reference. More information can be found on the Library website.
There is a Guide for Weekly Class students which will give you further information.
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Certification
Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Points
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. Please follow this link for more information on Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points
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.
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.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee (with no assessment) | £300.00 |
| Assessment and Accreditation fee | £60.00 |
Funding
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:
Tutor
Dr Marina Debattista
Marina Debattista has a PhD in Physics specialising in quantum field theory and is currently interested in the popularisation of science. This introduction to the concepts of fractals and chaos is illustrated by examples from the natural world and science.
Course aims
To offer the basis for the understanding of the concept of modern force and of the scientific motivation of the idea of unification.
Course objectives:
- The main objective of the course is to provide the historical evolution of the concept of force.
- To provide an introduction to the treatment of force in the theory of relativity and quantum physics.
- To provide an overview of the current theories of quantum gravity.
Teaching methods
- White board
- Power point presentations
- Classwork/discussions/debates
- Reading scientific papers
- Video presentations/computer simulations
Learning outcomes
- Understand the basic principles of physical theories (quantum theory, theory of relativity)
- Ability to communicate using appropriate scientific terminology
- Ability to assess the validity and reliability of scientific theories
Assessment methods
The summative assessment is a 1500 word essay on a topic to be selected from a list of proposed topics. There will also be a formative assessment of a 500 word piece, to be submitted during the course.
Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation will submit coursework.
Application
To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education
Students who do not register for assessment and credit 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 you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.
Level and demands
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.