Kent Physics Centre
Annual Lectures 2009 - 2010
October 20th 2009 @ 7.30pm
Metrology: The Science of Measurement
Speaker: Professor Ian Mills FRS, Department of Chemistry, University of Reading
President of the Consultative Committee for Units at the BIPM
Abstract
Since the creation of the decimal metric system at the end of the 18th century, successive generations of
scientists have sought ever more stable and precise measurement standards. In parallel, many aspects of modern
life have developed that we now take for granted, which are increasingly dependent on precise and accurate
metrology – for which it is essential to know the precision and experimental uncertainty in the measurements we
make. James Clerk Maxwell in his presidential address to the British Association in 1870, recommended that ‘ our
measurement standards should no longer be sought in the properties or dimensions of the Earth, but in the
wavelength, the period of vibration, and the absolute mass of the imperishable and unalterable and perfectly
similar molecules’. In this talk I shall outline the history of the International System of Units, the SI, and show the
changes currently being considered to bring us ever closer to achieving Maxwell’s ideas.
November 10th 2009 @ 7.30pm
Mobile Phones: Their Effect on Health
Speaker: Dr Zenon Sienkiewicz, Health Protection Agency
Abstract
There are concerns that the radiofrequency fields associated with mobile phones and base stations can cause a
variety of adverse effects on health, including an increased risk of brain tumours. In an effort to increase our
understanding of the potential hazards of these fields , many experimental and epidemiological studies have
been undertaken, particularly in the UK and other European countries. The results of these studies will be
reviewed , and their relevance to health and well being considered.
November 17th 2009 @ 7.30pm
Electricity and X-rays in Medical Studies
Speaker: Mr Stuart Field, Consultant Radiologist - Retired, Medical Physics Department, Kent and Canterbury
Hospital
This is a demonstration lecture
A lecture-demonstration on electricity, high voltage electricity and the formation and use of X-rays in medical
studies. He will be assisted by his former colleagues from the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
November 24th 2009 @ 10.30am & repeated at 2.30pm
2009 Christmas Science Lectures for Schools - Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 - Gulbenkian Theatre
Darwin's Birds: How Evolution Took Flight
(Sponsored by the Institute of Physics)
Speaker: Dr Joanne Cooper, Natural History Museum
Abstract
Darwin's finches and their beaks are famous, but did they really inspire the young Charles Darwin to start thinking
about how species change? From the far-flung discoveries on the Voyage of the Beagle to humble pigeons in Kent,
we'll explore how birds helped Darwin to shape his world-changing ideas and find out where he might find
evolutionary inspiration today.
Free entry, booking essential
Gulbenkian Booking Office 01227 769075
November 25th 2009 @ 10.30am
2009 Christmas Science Lectures for Schools - Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 - Gulbenkian Theatre
Failures, Disasters and Catastrophes
Speaker: Steve Walls, The School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent
Abstract
Why do some major engineering projects end tragically?
How do we mitigate against such events?
Free entry, booking essential
Gulbenkian Booking Office 01227 769075
November 25th 2009 @ 2.30pm
2009 Christmas Science Lectures for Schools - Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 - Gulbenkian Theatre
Cosmic Alchemy: How Are We Made?
Speaker: Professor Paddy Regan, University of Surrey
Abstract
How are the elements in our bodies created in teh cosmic furnaces of the stars? The psuedo-science of alchemy,
namely trying to create precious metals from base materials, can now be realized. Using the knowledge of nuclear
reactions and astrophysical processes in stars, we can determine how the material from which we are made was
created.
December 8th 2009 @ 7.30pm
Cosmology: The Big Question (joint meeting with SEKAS)
Speaker: Dr Stephen Serjeant, The Open University
Abstract
What is the fate of the universe? What comprises the major portion of the universe ? How did galaxies , stars and
planets form ? How old is the universe ?
Giant leaps have been made in answering these questions, as the speaker will explain. This is the golden age of
cosmology.
February 9th 2010 @ 7.30pm
End in Fire (joint meeting with SEKAS)
Speaker: Dr Robert Smith, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sussex
Abstract
In the distant future, the Sun will run out of nuclear fuel and expand to become a red giant star. This will have
dramatic consequences (some 7.6 billion years hence) for the Earth. The talk will give an overview of what will
happen as the Sun expands, and will also discuss whether life can survive on the Earth on a much smaller
timescales.
March 2nd 2010 @ 7.30pm
Chaos in Action
Speaker: Professor Mohammed Sohby[ School of Engineering and Digital Arts, University of Kent
This is a demonstration lecture
Chaos is a branch of mathematics that deals with systems that seem to exhibit chaotic or hard-topredict behaviour. The weather is a famous example of a natural chaotic system and its study led to the first
mathematical understanding of chaos. This is a demonstration lecture.
March 9th 2010 @ 7.30pm
Medical Physics: 21st Anniversary of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Speaker: Professor Steve Webb, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Abstract
IMRT is particularly competent for treating head and neck cancers, prostrate, lung, breast and other targets
where adjacent organs at risk are present. Clinical IMRT started in 1994 and commenced in a very limited number
of specialist institutions, but rapidly gained worldwide recognition and application.
March 23rd 2010 @ 7.30pm
Paul Dirac and the Religion of Beauty
Speaker: Dr Graham Farmelo, Senior Research Fellow, The Science Museum, London
Book Reviews of 'The Strangest Man'
The Guardian
The Independent
Abstract
Paul Dirac was the greatest English theoretical physicist since Newton. He is famous for co-discovering quantum
mechanics, for his beautiful equation for the behaviour of the electron and for brilliantly predicting the existence
of antimatter. Although sceptical of philosophy and religion, in later life Dirac became an apostle for the great
importance of mathematical beauty
in fundamental physics. It was ‘almost a religion’ for him. In this talk the speaker will examine the basis and
efficacy of this belief and also look at the remarkable character of this great theoretician, once dubbed ‘ the
Mozart of Science’.