Physics Trip to UCL

On 6th November, the Sixth Form physics students visited University College London (UCL) for a series of lectures on different aspects of the subject. There were six lectures in all, including topics as diverse as ‘Physics of the Heart’, ‘Big Bang Theory’, ‘Saturn’s E Ring’ and ‘Physics of the DJ’.  Each lecture was delivered by an expect in the field. It proved to be a great introduction for the students, to lectures university style, in a Russell Group institution.

The students travelled to the university by public transport and were able to step out into the London area near UCL for lunch.

To read what two of the students thought of the day, see below:

London Physics Trip

I thought the London physics trip was worthwhile. We went to University College London (UCL) for six and half hours and listened to four amazing lectures and one creepy lecture about DJing.

The first lecture was about the electron pulses given out by the heart and the rhythm it produces. It was delivered by Dr Ben Hanson. We were shown how MIR scanners work and how the AEDs are attached to a person’s heart. The video of one working on a footballer who had, unfortunately, had a heart attack was fascinating. Also how the AED electrifies your heart to make it continue beating.

The next lecture was given to us by Dr Simon Singh: he spoke about the Big Bang Theory, which I really enjoyed as I love the astronomy side of physics. I also remembered, because I had already used it, the concept of the ‘Spherical Bastard’: a sphere looks the same whatever angle you look at it. However, despite already knowing about the Big Bang Theory I still learnt a lot more about it.

After this the topic of space continued but came a little closer to home by learning about our solar system. I think this was one of the most interesting lectures as Enceladus is one of Saturn’s smallest moons, yet is responsible for creating Saturn’s E-ring which is made completely of ice.