The Royal Institution Courses

How to Fix a Leaking Tap with Chemistry - Szydlo's At Home Science

Explore the chemistry and mechanics behind leaking taps, from limescale removal to tap mechanisms. Learn practical solutions and gain insights into various tap designs and maintenance techniques.

• YouTube
• 45 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Chemistry of Coins - Szydlo's At Home Science

Explore the fascinating chemistry of coins, from unusual lab equipment to copper analysis and complex ions, in this engaging demonstration of practical scientific concepts.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Chemical Electricity - Szydlo's At Home Science

Explore the chemistry of batteries and electricity with Andrew Szydlo, from Volta's pioneering work to recent Nobel prizes. Witness exciting experiments and learn about the evolution of electrical cells.

• YouTube
• 39 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

AI and Artificially Enhanced Brains - With Susan Schneider

Exploring the philosophical and ethical implications of merging human brains with AI, including consciousness in robots, mind-machine interfaces, and the future of human intelligence.

• YouTube
• 50 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Science Experiments with Potassium Permanganate - Szydlo's At Home Science

Explore the fascinating chemistry of potassium permanganate through engaging experiments, covering redox reactions, color changes, and the intriguing properties of phosphorus.

• YouTube
• 45 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Einstein Abolished the Aether - With John Spence

Explore the history of light speed measurement and Einstein's revolutionary ideas, featuring stories of great scientists and their quest to understand the nature of light propagation in space.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Will Computers Ever Think Like Human Beings? - With Vint Cerf

Explore the challenges of creating human-like artificial intelligence with Internet pioneer Vint Cerf. Delve into neural networks, image classification, and the complexities of replicating human reasoning in computer systems.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Will Quantum Technology Change Our Lives?

Explore the revolutionary impact of quantum technology on our future, from advanced imaging to secure communications and powerful computing, with insights from leading experts in the field.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Rescuing the Hubble Space Telescope - With Kathryn D. Sullivan

Retired astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan shares captivating stories from her work on the Hubble Space Telescope, revealing hidden engineers and offering insights into life in space and satellite maintenance.

• YouTube
• 45 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

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
• On-Demand
• 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
• On-Demand
• 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
• On-Demand
• 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
• On-Demand
• 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
• On-Demand
• 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
• On-Demand
• Free Video