The Royal Institution Courses

Designed and Designoid Objects - Lecture 2

Explore the fascinating distinction between designed and designoid objects, as Richard Dawkins reveals how natural selection creates complex biological structures that appear purposefully designed.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Waking Up in the Universe - Part 1: Origins of Life

Explore the fascinating journey of life's evolution with Richard Dawkins as he examines human ancestry, probability of existence, and scientific understanding of life's origins through engaging demonstrations.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Mathematics of Creativity

Uncover the surprising connections between mathematics and creativity through symmetry, prime numbers, and the golden ratio in art, music, and architecture with live cello performance.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

How Benzene Changed Chemistry Forever

Discover how benzene, first isolated by Faraday 200 years ago, revolutionized chemistry from gas lighting to DNA research and modern technology applications.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Decoding Ageing - The Blueprint Theory and Future of Longevity Science

Explore the Blueprint Theory of Ageing and cutting-edge therapies targeting cellular necrosis to extend healthy lifespan, from Earth to space exploration.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Scales, Synthesizers and Samples - Lecture 5

Explore electronic instruments and their potential to replace traditional ones in this fascinating finale of Charles Taylor's 1989 Christmas Lectures series.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Technology, Trumpets and Tunes - The Development and Science Behind Wind Instruments - Lecture 4

Explore the fascinating science behind wind instruments, from valve innovations to air vibrations that create the music we hear and love.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Science, Strings and Symphonies - How Flat Plates and Hollow Bodies Amplify Sound - Lecture 3

Explore how flat plates and hollow bodies amplify string vibrations in musical instruments, from guitars to violins, using scientific methods and laser interferometry techniques.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

What Is Music? - Charles Taylor's 1989 Christmas Lectures - Lecture 1

Explore the fascinating science behind sound and music, discovering why some vibrations create beautiful melodies while others produce mere noise through engaging demonstrations.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Mixers, Meters and Molecules - The Home of the Future - Lecture 5

Explore silicon chips, liquid crystal displays, and molecular electronics in this final lecture examining the materials driving technological innovation in the home of the future.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Home Smart Home - 1988 Christmas Lectures 4/5

Explore how inventions like the telephone transformed homes into 'smart' spaces and discover future possibilities including remote-controlled heating systems.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Electronics for Pleasure - Entertainment Electronics from Gramophone to Television - Lecture 3

Explore entertainment electronics evolution from gramophone to television, plus predictions for high-definition flat screen TVs in this 1988 Royal Institution lecture.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Home Safe Home - The Science of Safer, Stronger, and More Secure Homes - Lecture 2

Explore the science behind safer homes through innovations in building materials, glass technology, security systems, and fire protection from this classic 1988 lecture.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Appliance Science - The Home of the Future - Lecture 1

Explore how science revolutionized household appliances, from microwaves to light bulbs, through Professor Gareth Roberts's engaging 1988 Christmas Lecture.

• YouTube
• 56 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Scientific Mind of Leonardo da Vinci

Explore Leonardo da Vinci's revolutionary thinking through his unified approach to art, science, and nature with world expert Martin Kemp.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video