insight4me Physics: Waves With Dr Seb Haines From University of East Anglia & Dr Chris North From Cardiff University

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• University of East Anglia: Dr Seb Haines is Lecturer in Physics in the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics and will present Matter Waves: What is ‘Waving’? Our best theory of the universe, quantum mechanics, is approaching its 100th birthday. Quantum theory promises much: quantum computing, quantum cryptography, teleportation and new functional materials that replace old power-hungry technologies. The last technological revolution was born of Maxwell’s equations and their description of electromagnetic waves. Quantum theory has some striking similarities but questions around the nature of the wavefunction persist. Can we be happy to view matter waves as a mathematical trick or must we seek a deeper understanding?

• Cardiff University: Dr Chris North is Reader and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Physics and Astronomy and presents Let There Be Light. Humans have been staring at the skies for aeons, but it is only in the past few hundred years that we have been able to exploit the full spectrum of light that is available to us, from radio waves through optical light, all the way to high energy gamma rays. We’ll discuss the history of discovery of electromagnetic waves, and how they’re being used to help current and future scientists uncover the mysteries of the Universe.

In this insight4me Physics online event for schools and colleges, Cardiff University and University of East Anglia will each have roughly 30 minutes to deliver a punchy, interactive topic based ‘micro’ talk. Within an overall session theme of Waves, the universities have the freedom to choose their own focus and use the time to convey the key points of the case studies for the students.

insight4me is a series of subject specific webinars for Aged 16+ pre-university students. The sessions directly support students’ current studies by giving an insight into particular curriculum areas whilst affording an understanding of how these subjects continue beyond A-levels, T-levels, IB, BTEC and equivalent qualifications, and how they vary between universities.

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. There is no charge to take part.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.

Suitable for: Aged 16+ pre-university students studying, or with a possible interest in studying, Physics and related disciplines. Student groups, and individual students and teachers are very welcome to join us.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the 2 topics and discuss some of the key elements in advance. Students can also think about questions they have about studying at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Zoom and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via typed comments and questions or via a microphone if preferred. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below:

Register here