The Royal Institution Courses

Why Do We Like Being Scared? - With Brendan Walker

Explore the science behind thrill-seeking, from rollercoasters to horror movies. Discover how fear and pleasure intertwine, and learn about innovative methods for measuring and optimizing thrilling experiences.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Why Do Things Spin? - With Hugh Hunt

Explore the fascinating physics of spinning objects, from tops to satellites, with engaging demonstrations and real-world examples. Discover the principles behind angular momentum and gyroscopic effects.

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

Can We Trust Maths? - With Kit Yates

Explore the impact of mathematics on real-world issues, from medical diagnoses to crime rates, and learn to critically evaluate its use in various contexts for more informed decision-making.

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

Have the Boomers Pinched Their Children's Futures? - With Lord David Willetts

Lord David Willetts explores how post-war baby boomers became the wealthiest generation in British history, potentially at the expense of younger generations, discussing housing, pensions, and intergenerational equity.

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

Why Have We Not Found Any Aliens? - With Keith Cooper

Exploring SETI's six-decade quest for extraterrestrial intelligence, examining challenges, assumptions, and future prospects in the search for alien life beyond Earth.

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

What Is Life? - With Paul Nurse

Nobel laureate Paul Nurse explores the fundamental question of defining life, examining key biological principles and their broader implications for understanding living organisms and their evolution.

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

How to Do Maths Without a Calculator - With Rob Eastaway

Explore quick estimation techniques for everyday math problems without a calculator. Learn engaging methods for mental calculations, conversions, and probability assessments with amusing anecdotes and practical tips.

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

The Neuroscience of Magic - With Gustav Kuhn

Explore the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and magic as Gustav Kuhn demonstrates how our brains can be tricked by misdirection and optical illusions, revealing insights into perception and cognition.

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

How Plants Recognise Seasons Using Molecular Memory - With Caroline Dean

Explore plant seasonal recognition through molecular memory systems, focusing on vernalization and flowering control. Gain insights into epigenetics, chromatin, and temperature adaptation in plants.

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

How Does Forensic Anthropology Help Solve Crimes? - With Sue M. Black

Explore forensic anthropology's role in solving crimes through case studies, innovative techniques, and the power of human anatomy in identifying individuals and uncovering evidence.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Moving to the Moon - With Calum Hervieu

Explore the resurgence of lunar exploration, private space companies' race to the Moon, and potential benefits of lunar resources, gravity, and health research in this futuristic talk.

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

The Radioactivity of Space - With Frances Staples

Explore 60 years of scientific discoveries about space radiation hazards, from the Van Allen belts to geomagnetic storms, and their impact on satellites and space exploration.

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

The Physics of Black Holes - With Chris Impey

Explore the extreme nature of black holes, their role in the universe, and their impact on theoretical physics. Delve into Einstein's theories, gravitational waves, and the mysteries of these cosmic monsters.

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

How Batteries Will Change Our World

Expert panel explores how widespread battery adoption will transform transportation, energy storage, and urban environments, discussing impacts on automotive industry, vehicle ownership models, and grid integration.

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

How Not to Fall for Bad Statistics - With Jennifer Rogers

Uncover the truth behind misleading statistics in media. Learn to critically analyze data, understand risk, and differentiate between correlation and causation for informed decision-making.

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