Mental pictures of space and time: a no-maths introduction to Special Relativity (SCE 17)

  • Day and time: Friday 9:40 - 11:00
    Weekly
  • Length of course: 2 terms. Autumn (10 Weeks), Spring (10 Weeks)
  • Vacancies: 0
  • Start date: 09 October 2026
  • Description:

    This course (given several times before) presents an elementary introduction to Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity (SR) - which revolutionised scientists' understanding of space & time - initially without using any maths. The ideas in SR are often regarded as counterintuitive and difficult to comprehend, but really they are not! We develop an intuitive understanding of SR's concepts and results by relating them to familiar, everyday observations. In turn, we view those familiar observations in a new way. In the second (optional) part, we look at the simple ('O-level') maths underlying SR. The course is intended for both those with and those without a technical background. (I claim that even those who have studied SR before can get more from this course.) For more information on what the course is about and who it is intended for, visit website rmyoung.uk/srnomaths

  • Format: Lecture

  • Tutor: Richard Young
  • In my research career I was interested in how people represent and deal with technical concepts, such as calculators or heating controllers.


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