• University of York

Frontier Physics, Future Technologies

Expand your understanding of modern physics and discover how we can solve societal problems by developing future technologies.

4,446 enrolled on this course

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Frontier Physics, Future Technologies

4,446 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Explore the mysteries of the universe through cutting-edge physics

Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences. By studying the properties of energy and matter, physicists aim to explain the many mysteries of the universe.

In this course, you’ll explore areas of current physics research and how they can shed light on the fundamental nature of the universe. You’ll also look at some real-world physics applications to build your skills.

Discover how physics explains and shapes the world around us

You’ll start this course by investigating the nature of plasmas and exploring their many applications in areas such as astrophysics, wound healing, fusion energy, and propulsion for spacecraft.

Then, you’ll learn about the process of designing advanced materials, for use in solar cells, lasers, and pharmaceuticals, giving you a peek into the ways that physics is transforming different industries.

We’ll conclude with a look at the building blocks of our universe, the particles that make up everything. From dark matter to quantum communications, we will explore how the smallest constituents of nature affect our everyday lives.

Explore the role of fundamental physics in solving major societal problems

Modern physics research can help develop solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing issues. You’ll look at the different solutions that physicists are discovering. From fusion as an energy source to medical diagnostics, you’ll discover the various future technologies being worked on now.

York is home to internationally recognised research groups in condensed matter physics, plasma physics, nuclear physics, and the physics of life.

You’ll be taught by world-renowned physicists as they guide you through their cutting-edge research and show you how physics can be used to shape the world around us.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 8 seconds Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences. By studying the properties of energy and matter, physicists aim to explain the many mysteries of the universe. From dark matter to quantum entanglement, physics helps us to understand the often strange and amazing nature of the world around us. But it’s not just the study of the exotic and the unfamiliar; it also drives crucial technological advancements in areas as diverse as green energy and medical physics. In this three-week course you will explore areas of modern physics research that we are pursuing at the University of York, such as nanosystems, particle physics, fusion plasmas, and biophysics.

Skip to 0 minutes and 48 seconds You will discover how they can shed light on the fundamental nature of the universe, but also help to develop solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing issues. You will join York’s world-renowned physicists as they guide you through their cutting-edge research. You’ll explore unique research labs and facilities, discuss new ideas and concepts with the experts in the field, and test your skills on real-world physics problems. So join us for Frontier Physics, Future Technologies, and explore a universe of inspiring physics research.

What topics will you cover?

  • Applications of the fourth state of matter, plasma, including wound healing, and propulsion for spacecraft
  • The potential of fusion as an energy source for the future
  • Imaging nanostructures using electron microscopy
  • Designing advanced materials, for use in solar cells, lasers, and pharmaceuticals
  • Particles and how we detect them
  • Applications of particle detectors for studying fundamental physics (including neutron stars and dark matter) and medical diagnostics (cancer therapy and PET scanners)

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Investigate the properties of plasmas and understand their place in the universe
  • Explore how materials can be engineered and investigated at the atomic level
  • Explain how we can detect and manipulate individual particles
  • Describe the link between fundamental research and real world applications
  • Discuss the crucial role of physics in solving major societal problems

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in current physics research and how it can be applied to technologies of the future.

It will be particularly useful to Year 12 and 13 students looking to expand their knowledge of physics.

Who will you learn with?

I am an experimental physicist in the department of physics at York working in laser-plasma interactions and laser driven fusion.

Who developed the course?

University of York

The University of York combines the pursuit of academic excellence with a culture of inclusion, which encourages everyone – from a variety of backgrounds – to achieve their best.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 9 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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