The Royal Institution Courses

The Hidden World of Animal Senses – With Ed Yong

Explore the extraordinary sensory worlds of animals, from dogs' powerful noses to bats' echolocation, revealing hidden aspects of nature and challenging our perception of reality.

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

The Origin of Our Universe from the Multiverse - With Laura Mersini-Houghton

Explore the groundbreaking multiverse theory and its implications for our universe's origins with cosmologist Laura Mersini-Houghton, blending cutting-edge physics with her unique personal journey.

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

The Rise and Reign of the Mammals - With Steve Brusatte

Explore 325 million years of mammalian evolution, from surviving dinosaurs to modern diversity. Discover fossil finds, extinction events, and humanity's impact on Earth's mammals.

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

How to Think About Feelings – With Leonard Mlodinow

Explore the science behind emotions, their evolutionary purpose, and their impact on success. Learn about emotional intelligence and techniques for emotional regulation.

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

Where Did the Universe Come From? - With Geraint Lewis

Explore the Universe's origins through the lens of modern physics, examining the clash between general relativity and quantum mechanics, and delving into star formation, elements, and cosmic future.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 13 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

What Darwin Won't Tell You About Evolution - With Jonathan Pettitt

Explores evolutionary complexity beyond natural selection, discussing genetic drift, non-coding DNA, and unique mechanisms in C. elegans, challenging traditional views on how organisms evolve.

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

What Can Science Tell Us About Dogs? - With Jules Howard

Explore the fascinating world of canine cognition, emotions, and behavior through scientific research, historical studies, and modern discoveries in this engaging zoological lecture.

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

Why Does Human Intelligence Beat AI? - With Gerd Gigerenzer

Explore the limitations of AI and the superiority of human intelligence in decision-making, risk assessment, and adapting to uncertain situations with insights from cognitive scientist Gerd Gigerenzer.

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

Physics Experiments That Changed the World – With Suzie Sheehy

Explore groundbreaking physics experiments that shaped our world, from X-rays to cosmic rays, through engaging stories and demonstrations. Discover the scientists behind these revolutionary discoveries and their lasting impact.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 6 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

How the Krebs Cycle Powers Life and Death – With Nick Lane

Explore the Krebs cycle's role in life's chemistry, from cellular respiration to cancer, and its impact on Earth's history. Discover how this metabolic process connects diverse biological phenomena.

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

Why Does Maths Give Humans the Edge Over Machines? - With Junaid Mubeen

Exploring human mathematical intelligence and its advantages over machines, highlighting reasoning, imagination, and questioning as key principles that give humans an edge in problem-solving.

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

When Nature Breaks the Law – With Mary Roach and Lucy Cooke

Explore human-wildlife conflicts and creative solutions with Mary Roach and Lucy Cooke. From laser scarecrows to robo-hawks, discover fascinating approaches to coexistence between humans and nature.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 8 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Cell Programming Revolution – With Mark Kotter

Neurosurgeon Mark Kotter explores breakthroughs in cell therapy, discussing genetic reprogramming, its potential to revolutionize medicine, and the collaborative effort needed across scientific disciplines to unlock cellular "operating systems."

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

The Other End of a Black Hole - With James Beacham

Explore the mysteries of black holes with physicist James Beacham, delving into gravity, space-time, and the possibility of universe-sized black holes. Journey through cutting-edge physics and societal parallels.

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

What's Going Wrong With Mental Health Awareness? - With Lucy Foulkes

Explores misconceptions in mental health awareness, offering insights on improving public discourse and understanding of this complex topic.

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