Physics Summer School

A space vehicle seen above planet earth (illustrating the Physics Summer School)“The size and age of the Cosmos are beyond ordinary human understanding. Lost somewhere between immensity and eternity is our tiny planetary home. In the last few millennia we have made the most astonishing and unexpected discoveries about the Cosmos and our place within it. They remind us that human beings have evolved to wonder, that understanding is a joy, and that knowledge is a prerequisite to survival.”           

Carl Sagan

 

 

Physicists look at the big questions: Why are we here? How did the universe begin? How will it end? What is everything made from? Why is the past different from the future? Are we alone in the Universe? It is by asking these questions, and seeking answers, that human beings have begun to understand and appreciate the underlying fabric of reality.

The Physics Summer School offers a perfect opportunity for able students to explore some of the most exciting and challenging ideas in contemporary physics. Each online course consists of a structured three-day programme covering some fascinating topics, ranging from black holes and time travel, to the search for exo-planets and life outside our solar system. The Physics Summer School is particularly appropriate for students who may be considering further study of physics, mathematics or engineering at undergraduate level, or who are interested in related disciplines such as chemistry or computing.

Physics Summer School – Part 1 focuses on Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Astrophysics and is open to students aged 15-18.

See a detailed outline for this course.

Physics Summer School – Part 2 focuses on Quantum Mechanics and Relativity and requires that students have completed a minimum of one year of A-Level Mathematics (or equivalent) at the time of the course.

See a detailed outline for this course.

Online classes are small, typically containing eight to twelve students, all of whom will share a passion for physics and a curiosity to build on their existing knowledge and embrace new ideas. Classes will consist of a combination of lectures, group discussions, team games and problem sets, creating a comfortable environment for students to share ideas amongst their peers and to progress from their existing knowledge toward more challenging material. 

The tutors for this course are selected for their exceptional communication skills, outstanding academic record, and passion for physics – you can see our tutors page for some example profiles. 

Please note that, although both courses complement each other, they may be treated as independent events and there is no requirement to have attended Part 1 in order to attend Part 2. Part 2 of the course will offer a strong mathematical component and an undergraduate approach to learning, helping students to make informed decisions about continuing in the study of physics, as well as bridging the educational gap between secondary school and university.

For full practical and booking details just scroll down past the reviews.

‘The Debate Chamber Physics course was both challenging and stimulating and one which provided a firm grounding on some cutting edge, modern physics. We were taught about both the very large and very small, from special and general relativity to quantum mechanics and the philosophical interpretations of the measurement problem. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone contemplating studying the subject at university or to anyone who just wants to learn some physics!’

‘The course was brilliant; usually complex and abstract topics in Physics were explained to you in the space of five days! The courses built upon the knowledge you had and decided to push you a little extra. They really inspired me to further research more complex topics in Physics in greater detail.’

‘Challenging, but great fun, the Physics course was a fantastic opportunity to gain a better insight into some of the fundamental principles that govern our world, giving me a better idea of what Physics at University might be like. From learning about the rather abstract world of Quantum Mechanics to discussing black holes and even teleportation, the course left me astounded by both the amount we already know, and how much we have yet to discover! I really enjoyed the five days, working with two talented tutors and meeting some other like-minded students. Overall, an incredible week.’

 

Click here for more reviews of our physics courses, or on the trustpilot link below for general reviews.

‘The Debate Chamber Physics course was both challenging and stimulating and one which provided a firm grounding on some cutting edge, modern physics. We were taught about both the very large and very small, from special and general relativity to quantum mechanics and the philosophical interpretations of the measurement problem. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone contemplating studying the subject at university or to anyone who just wants to learn some physics!’

Click here for more reviews of our physics courses, or on the trustpilot link below for general reviews.

Practical Details

The Physics Summer School is open to students aged 15 – 18 (please note that Part 2 requires a year of A Level Maths).

Part 1 of the course (Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Astrophysics) will take place on the 7th – 9th August 2024.

Part 2 of the course (Quantum Mechanics and Relativity) will take place on the 19th – 21st August 2024.

Each online course is three days in length and teaching hours on each day will run from 10.00am till 3.30pm, with a lunch break.

These are live online events, with small seminar groups offering fully interactive classroom discussion and debate. The event will not be recorded, so it is essential that you are able to attend during the course hours, and that you have a reliable audio and video internet connection.

The cost for either single course is £325, and you can reserve your place with a 25% non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the payment is due eight weeks in advance of the course start date. Please see here for full booking terms and conditions.

If you have any questions, simply call us on 0800 810 1058 or email us at [email protected].

Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you would like to apply for a bursary then please complete your bursary application here.