Science Courses in Detail

SCE 01: ARE WE WHAT WE EAT? (SPRING TERM)

Tutor: Dr Tony Jenkins                                       
Day and time: Tuesday 2.00 - 3.00                      
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.                                                    
Number of places: 25
This short course will look at the link between diet, behaviour and disease.  By looking at how we and our diet have evolved, and where we live, it can be seen why a typical "Western" diet now often leads to obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart disease.  Knowledge enables us to make better and healthier dietary choices.  Starting with an analysis of the vital components of food, and a basic understanding of key disease processes, we will see that the profit motives and vested interests of the farming, food, pharmaceutical and supplement industries are not in your best health interests.  Be prepared for, but don't be put off by, some complex organic chemistry, some cell biology and the chance to rethink some of your long held beliefs about "healthy" food.

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SCE 02: ASTRONOMY IS LOOKING UP

Tutor: Derek Jones                                             
Day and time: Tuesday 4.15 - 5.15                      
Venue: Institute of Astronomy, Madingley Road
Terms: Autumn, spring.                                       
Number of places: 20
This is the same course as last year, reworked and with new material interwoven where appropriate.  We will learn to recognise the stars and planets in the night sky.  Each session will be in two parts: first a discussion of the sky that week and any recent news; and second, a talk on a particular topic e.g. Sun and the seasons, Moon and Eclipses, the paths of the planets, exploration of the Solar System, the Milky Way, and like topics.

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SCE 03: BIRDS - A CELEBRATION (SUMMER TERM)

Tutor: Gillian Watts                                             
Day and time: Wednesday 1.15 - 2.15                 
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Summer.                                                 
Number of places: 25
A celebration of biodiversity focussing on birds.  The course is illustrated using original photographs taken in the field in the UK, South Africa, mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and Northern, Central and South India.  The aim is to study numbers of types of birds occuring in the different places, the difference between the groups of birds in each place, and migration between them.  Shifting nomenclature, limits of observation and bird identification will be explored.  Some elements of bird character are discussed.  Course members are expected to contribute to discussion.  No prior knowledge necessary - the course is aimed to appeal to birders and those whose interest in birds is a more recent addition.
Note: 6 weeks starts 18th April.

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SCE 04: BOTANY

Co-Leaders: Dr Peter I Payne  & Dr Paul GL Williams
Day and time: Mondays 2.00 - 4.30 (every 3 weeks)
Venue: Toft People's Hall, Toft
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.                         
Number of places: 60
The group offers members the opportunity to pursue a common interest in the study and enjoyment of plants.  Indoor study meetings and illustrated talks are held at approximately three-week intervals in the Autumn and Spring terms.  This is followed by a twice-monthly series of field visits into Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties, from April to September.  A three-to-four day excursion (restricted to about 20 members) is usually arranged each year to study plants growing in other parts of Britain.  A detailed programme is issued twice yearly.  Members should equip themselves with comprehensive guides to the wild flowers (including grasses, sedges & rushes) of the British Isles.  Flora recommendations are available.  In addition, a good x10 hand lens is essential.
Note: Starts 10th October.

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SCE 05: BRITISH SCIENCE FROM 1890 TO 2010

Tutor: Clive Gilchrist MBE                                   
Day and time: Thursday 3.30 - 4.30                     
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.                                                    
Number of places: 20
This course is an extension of last year's; as previously it will explore the contributions made by British scientists to many of the last century's advances, this time starting earlier and ending later.  Tutor led informal discussions will, inter alia, look at health; the environment; communication; transport; security and entertainment.  A general interest in science, our world and a sense of fun is all that's needed. 
The Backroom Boys: The Secret Return of the British Boffin by Francis Stufford makes an excellent introduction to the subject.
Note: 9 weeks starts 12th January.

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SCE 06: DARWINISM IN THE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY (SPRING TERM)

Leader: Dr Ken Edwards                                      
Day and time: Tuesday 12.30 - 1.30                    
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.                                                    
Number of places: 20
Darwin's great idea (Andrew Marr described it as the most important idea in modern times) was first published in 1859.  It has been developed and confirmed in the past 152 years and remains of great importance in our thinking about ourselves and the world in which we live.  In this course I shall consider the history of Darwinism and assess its current status and its impact on our understanding of human nature and our health and well-being.
Suggested books (among many): The Origin of Species (Charles Darwin); The Making of the Fittest (Sean B. Carroll).

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SCE 07: ENCOUNTERS IN SCIENCE

Co-ordinator: Ken Cook 
assisted by Chris Holt & Tristan Dyer                   
Day and time: Tuesday 10.15 – 11.30                  
Venue: The Centre at St Pauls, Hills Road
Terms: Autumn, spring.                                       
Number of places: 25
This course will appeal to members with an interest in science who have little scientific training or experience.  The light-hearted approach will be based around presentations by different session leaders but will also include a variety of activities working in small groups e.g. making molecular models, simple experiments (which can be repeated at home), and paper exercises such as quizzes.
We shall consider chemicals used around the home such as soaps, acids and bases, disinfectants, sweeteners (natural and artificial), as well as common medicines.  On margarine tubs what do 'omega 3' and 'omega 6' mean?  Looking at polymers will help us get to grips with terms such such as PVC, PTFE, HDPE and LDPE, whilst an introduction to molecular biology will include proteins and the genetic code.  The programme will have the flexibility to address issues of current relevance and to respond to questions raised by participants.  Each topic will be supported by a set of notes for which a small contribution will be requested to cover the reprographics costs.  Occasionally members may be asked to bring in materials for practical sessions.

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SCE 08: GEODYSSEY

Tutor: Graham Oram                                           
Day and time: Monday 10.30 - 12.30                    
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn, spring.                                       
Number of places: 20
Intrigued by this planet we live on?  Would you like to know more about its origin, its history, the evolution of life on its surface?  Would you like to know the future?  Then Geodyssey is for you.  Prior knowledge is not necessary, a science background helpful, an inquiring mind essential.

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SCE 09: INTRODUCTION TO GEMSTONES

Tutor: Gillian Mallett                                            
Day and time: Monday 2.15 - 3.30                       
Terms: Autumn.                                                  
Number of places: 12
Gemstones are not just beautiful and valuable.  There is a whole study involving their indentification, scientific scrutiny and historical importance called Gemmology.  This course introduces you to the subject and should make you look carefully at every jewel you see.  The science involved in gem identification will be explained at a basic level.  The emphasis is on looking at examples of gems including some under the microscope!  It is intended to be fun.

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SCE 10: OSTEOPROSIS AND HOW WE CAN MEASURE BONE (SPRING TERM)

Tutor: Dr Ann Laskey                                          
Day and time: Alternate Wednesdays 1.30 - 2.30 
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.                                                    
Number of places: 20
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of bone architecture, resulting in increased bone fragility.  This course will consider advice on how to reduce our risk of developing osteoporosis but will come from a scientist who is aware of  many unanswered questions.   Various methods are available to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor bone changes.  The most widely used is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).  This course will include the pros and cons of DXA and other techniques, some basic bone biology and bone changes that occur during life.  A basic knowledge of science would be useful but is not essential.
Note: Starts 18th January.

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SCE 11: OUR EARTH, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE (SPRING TERM)

Tutor: Alan Winfield                                            
Day and time: Monday 3.30 - 4.30                       
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.                                                    
Number of places: 25
This course will study our earth in terms of the atmosphere, the waters of the earth, and the soils and rocks.  We will study each of these components of our environment as they were before the industrial revolution, the position we are in today and the prospects for the future.  Topics included will be: the greenhouse effect, destruction of the ozone layer, pollution of all kinds, water and sewage treatment and the disposal of waste.
No previous scientific knowledge is required. 
Note: 7 weeks starts 30th January.

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SCE 12: POLAR STUDY GROUP

Tutor: Dr Bill Block
Day and time: Tuesdays 2.30 - 4.00 (see dates below)
Venue: Scott Polar Research Institute, Lensfield Road
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 100

This informal group meets twice per month in the Autumn and Spring terms to study and discuss various aspects of the polar regions, usually with an invited speaker. Subjects last year included the Ross Sea huts, conservation of polar artefacts, Amundsen, the North Pole as the next pole of peace, Antarctic krill, Fiennes on Scott, genomics in polar biology, Siberian reindeer and spirits, Pine Island and climate change, and Edgar Evans as Scott's choice for the pole. The group continues to develop, and a varied programme is planned for 2011-12.

Prior knowledge is not required and although it would be useful to have attended the 'Antarctica in a Nutshell' course, it is not a pre-requisite. However, an interest in things polar and a willingness to discuss issues are essential. With the increased awareness of the global importance of the polar regions and the effects of climate warming, this group provides a unique opportunity to keep abreast of current (and past) events both in the Arctic and the Antarctic.

Meetings will be held at the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI), by kind permission of the Director.

Note: Dates: 11, 25 October; 8, 22 November; 6 December; 17, 31 January; 14, 28 February; 13 March.

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SCE 13: THE RIVERSCAPE AND THE RIVER (SPRING TERM)

Tutor: Dr SM Haslam                                          
Day and time: Thursday 11.00 - 12.30 
Terms: Spring.                                                 
Number of places: 6
All life on land depends on rivers and their associated waters.  Studying landscape, hills, floodplains and rivers from the viewpoint of the connecting streams, integrated settlement patterns, water resources, wild and crop vegetation and tree patterns, other natural resources (involving water), and communications (whether herons, boats or Pilgrim Ways to holy wells!)  In relation to people, all natural riverscapes are difficult, but some have been made pleasant, while, for varying reasons, others remain harsh.  As well as discussing principles, the course describes riverscapes as diverse as those of the Cam and Thames, the Malta Kbir, Corsican Golo and Hungarian Eger.
Note: The group meets once a week for 3 weeks, 4 indoor sessions plus 2 more in or out as the group decides.

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SCE 14: SCIENCE AND RELIGION

Co-ordinators: Ken & Janet Edwards                  
Day and time: Tuesday 12.30 - 1.45                    
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn.                                                  
Number of places: 20
The relationship of science and religion is much discussed in a variety of contexts.  The course will approach the subject from several points of view, each introduced by different individual contributors, all of whom are scientists.  Topics will include: Science and Christianity (John Polkinghorne); Science and Miracles (Colin Humphreys); Darwinism and Christianity (Ken Edwards); Science and Humanism (Graham Milbourn); Science and Islam (Usama Hasan) and Science and Indian Religious Traditions (David Gosling).  Each session will allow ample time for class discussion and in some weeks the entire session will be devoted to debate.

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SCE 15: SECRETS OF THE SOIL (SUMMER TERM)

Tutor: Dr Bryon Bache                                        
Day and time: Thursday 10.00 - 11.00                 
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Summer.                                                 
Number of places: 20
Soil is a vitally important medium.  Beneath its unattractive exterior lies a wealth of interesting science.  This introductory course explores this at an elementary level, and includes sufficient background science to make it accessible to non-scientists.
Note: 8 weeks starts 19th April.

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