Cambridge University Physics Society
From PhysicsWiki
Welcome to the PhysicsWiki, the online part of Cambridge University Physics Society and a place for discussion and learning of all things physics.
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Announcements
- Self-assembling colloids under the guidance of DNA by Dr. Erika Eiser, Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Labs.
- The versatility of DNA has fascinated biologists, chemists and physicists since the discovery of its double helical structure. Despite its seemingly simple structure, DNA displays an almost infinite number of combinations of four bases, encoding all the genetic information needed to build every cell of our body. DNA packs very efficiently in the cell nucleus, obeying intriguing mathematical rules to overcome all intramolecular forces, and yet have the entropic elasticity of a polyelectrolyte.
- About 20 years ago, it was discovered that DNA could be used as ‘intelligent glue’ to self-assemble colloids, along with other nano-sized materials, into fantastic new materials. In this talk I will give an overview of how to build smilies and flying colloidal carpets, how short strands of DNA can be used in a clever way to do new physics, and how it is used for bio-medical diagnostics.
- The talk will be held in the Pharmacology Lecture Theatre on Wednesday 10rd February at 8.00pm. It's free for members and £2 for non-members, and includes a wine reception afterwards where we will be selling the last few of our infamous mugs for 50p each.
- Sign up for the Omega Dinner here!. To be held in the Wordsworth Room at St John's College on Monday 22nd February, this promises to a fantastic night of fine dining, superb alcohol and, of course, the pleasant company of your fellow physicists.
- The Term Card for Lent 2010 is here. We've got a number of incredible speakers lined up as well as the annual Omega Dinner making this a packed and exciting term.
Sponsors
CUPS is very proud to be sponsored by Detica, Hitachi, Nexus, Marks & Clerk, the TCM group of the Cavendish Laboratory, and the Institute of Physics East Anglia branch.
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Aims of the Society
We organise fun and interesting events and provide a social scene for everyone with an interest in Physics, organising regular events and talks, including cocktail evenings and the fabulous Omega Dinner. CUPS presents an unrivalled opportunity to enjoy talks by internationally renowned speakers, which have included Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose, on all subjects ranging from the cutting edge, to the purely historical, including philosophy, astronomy and bio-physics. The wine reception after talks provides the perfect venue for informal discussion with the speaker. We also put on the unrivalled annual garden party.
Thanks to all of you who signed up to the email lists, and whom we met at the Freshers' Fair or after the induction talks. We hope to see you again at our events this term!
Other Stuff
- Event archive: Society events are archived here.
- Want to find out about Outreach Opportunities in physics?
- Make your own page on the wiki.
- Have comments about the wiki or things you'd like us to change? Post them here.
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