Open minds

The University of St Andrews is throwing open its doors to invite members of the public to indulge their interests and join in the University learning experience.

From Monday 28 November and Friday 2 December 2011 nearly 25 scheduled lectures, in the Faculties of Arts, Science, Medicine and Divinity, will welcome anyone with a thirst for learning.

Some of the best minds in their fields will be leading lectures on subjects ranging from general relativity to computer science and video games, from roman history to the psychology of music.

This year’s Open Minds series also includes the opportunity to join in the University’s annual ‘Miltonathon’, a unique event which involves spending the entire day reading the text of John Milton’s Paradise Lost out loud. Volunteers take it in turns to read, helping to bring the text to life.

The Open Minds initiative, now in its second year, is part of the University of St Andrews 600th anniversary programme – celebrating people and ideas – and aims to lay open some of the accumulated wealth of knowledge the University is proud of.

Professor Malcolm MacLeod, Dean of Science, said:

“St Andrews is a unique place. For much of the year, it bustles with students rushing between classes. And yet most of what our students do during their working day remains a mystery to those outside of the University. It is because of this that we decided to hold a special event during St Andrews week, the chance to come inside and experience a University lecture, the type of lecture that takes place every day of the academic year as part of the routine life of the University of St Andrews.”

Professor Nic Beech, Dean of Arts, said:

“We hope that you will take this opportunity to come and see our students and academics at work, and that you will share in our pleasure of learning with ‘Open Minds’.”

For a full list of lectures available see the Open Minds webpage or contact 01334 461 901

Places are limited and booking is essential. Bookings can be made by emailing details to [email protected]