Short course
Understanding Space and Time
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
15/04/2027 - 17/06/202719:00 - 21:00
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£315.00
Understanding space and time is more exciting than ever, as scientists continue to detect gravitational signals from merging black holes in distant galaxies, and to debate new evidence concerning the rate of expansion of the universe and the existence of dark energy. Using the minimum amount of mathematics, this course offers a conceptually based introduction to the current scientific understanding of space and time, and a chance to learn about recent developments at the cosmic frontier.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Thursday 15 April 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: Space and time before Einstein
Week 2: The arrow of time
Week 3: The special theory of relativity
Week 4: Spacetime
Week 5: Curved space
Week 6: The general theory of relativity
Week 7: The geometry of the universe
Week 8: The big bang and cosmic inflation
Week 9: Beyond big bang
Week 10: Causality, parallel universes and time machines
Course aims
- 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.
- To provide a basic understanding of the modern scientific conception of space and time.
- 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.
- To provide an overview of our current model of the Universe and the evidence on which it is based.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
- Understand the basic principles of physical theories of space and time
- Communicate their understanding using the appropriate scientific terminology
- Assess the validity and reliability of relevant scientific information
Level and demands
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
- Classwork/discussions/debates
- Reading scientific papers
- Video presentations/computer simulations
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
- Relativity: The Special and the General Theory / Einstein, Albert
- Einstein’s cosmos : how Albert Einstein’s vision transformed our understanding of space and time / Kaku, Michio
Module code: O26P598ASW
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.