Photo: Andrew Leopold

The ‘History into Science’ course, tutored by Andrew Leopold, is a fascinating leap into a diverse range of topics in history and science. Examples of possible topics from Andrew’s list include the history of medicine, traces of past civilisations, art and living things, and forensic science.

A Recent Session

One recent session began by finishing off a topic about quantum computers but along the way, we somehow seamlessly moved from vitrified clay pipes to levers to pulleys and then on to Newton’s Law of Gravitation, all with Andrew’s talent of making them interesting. After a short break, we began a new topic: ‘Are we alone in the universe?’. 

Andrew has the knack of explaining complex processes through digestible bites and concrete examples. He gives fascinating little stories on aspects of the topics and there’s even the occasional ‘dad joke’! There’s plenty of interaction, with Andrew encouraging and getting interesting class discussions.

The Participants’ Views

The participants’ comments on the course were all positive:

• We see things in a different light; we’re learning new knowledge. Very interesting content; things that I certainly wouldn’t have thought of. You take things for granted, then we can see why.

• Andrew invites interaction. We’re free to have input if you’re so inclined. I thought I wouldn’t have much input, but I do.

• Andrew has a great mind for detail. There’s so much information but he has the background for it.  When we’re not here, he sends all the information from the class to us.

• [I appreciate] the level that it’s presented at, which treats us as intelligent human beings.

• One subject complements another; for example, it’s not only history but history interacts with other subjects too.

One participant also saw how this course complements others:

• I also go to the Cosmology course, and this expands on that subject and complements it. This reminds me of a subject I did  a while ago called history and philosophy of science.

The Tutor’s Comments

Andrew also made some comments. His aim is for participants to “gain a broader general knowledge (so they can go on a quiz program!)”.  When the participants don’t seem to be interested in a topic, he’ll change it:

• What’s the point if I drone on about what I know. It’s got to be something you’re interested in. It’s like acting; when I’m in front of the class, like actors, I forget everything else; it’s just what goes on here. That’s important to me personally.

He has some favourite topics:

• I like innovations that change the world and I also like medical discoveries and breakthroughs. I’m just finishing off a potpourri of smaller topics that includes ‘Can dogs smell cancer’, and ‘Ant engineers; how ants build bridges’. 

Into the Future

Andrew is planning to change the course name next year to ‘A Smorgasbord of Topics in Science and History’ to better reflect this wonderfully eclectic course. If you’d like to expand your mind in a relaxed and friendly environment, there are currently some vacancies.

Judy Maxwell
Editorial Team, U3A Manningham