Understanding Science: An Introduction to Science - adult education class

Course Outline

You don't have to be scientific to enjoy and understand science. In fact, science is everywhere: it allows you to make a lovely hot cup of tea, to see all the objects around you, and to cross over water safely by using a bridge.

Science also holds our galaxy together, it makes the laws that drive biodiversity, and describes the nature of subatomic particles - the building blocks of everything. Diving into the diversity and beauty of science is an adventure, full of revelations and surprises.

Taught by Linda van Keimpema, this course aims to give you just a taste for that adventure, as we travel through the entirety of scientific understanding (or at least as much as we can fit in).

Each week we will explore a new topic, as well as discussing the science that is going on in the world around us and how we think that science will affect our future. If you have ever wanted to learn more about science and the way everything works, join us for what promises to be an exciting ride!

All sessions will include a slide lecture, as well as group discussions and even some short demonstrations of experiments. The course is for beginners, so no prior knowledge of science is required. All you need is an inquisitive mind!

Term dates

•  Autumn Term: week beginning 10 November 2025 until week ending 19 December 2025

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content of this course please contact the tutor, Dr Linda van Keimpema at l.van-keimpema@imperial.ac.uk

For general programme and enrolment questions please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi at c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).