Science Britannica

Professor Brian Cox embarks on a mission to guide viewers through 350 years of British science, laying bare what science really is, who the people are who practise it, and how it connects to the past, present and future of each of us.

Storyline

First Aired

2013-09-18
Last Aired

2013-10-02
Creator
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

3
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

BBC Two

Keywords:

No keywords have been added yet

Stream and watch Science Britannica

Season 1

1. Frankenstein's Monsters

Professor Cox grapples with science's darker side, asking why, when science has done so much for us, i...More

Professor Cox grapples with science's darker side, asking why, when science has done so much for us, it often gets such a bad press. Starting with the original Frankenstein - the grisly 19th century tale of George Foster's hanging and subsequent 'electrocution', Brian confronts the idea that science can go 'too far'. From the nuclear bomb to genetic modification, British science has always been at the cutting edge of discovery, but are British scientists feckless meddlers, or misunderstood visionaries whose gifts to humanity are corrupted by the unscrupulous?Less

60mins 2013-09-18

2. Method and Madness

Professor Brian Cox celebrates Britain's pivotal role in creating modern science. From performing Isaa...More

Professor Brian Cox celebrates Britain's pivotal role in creating modern science. From performing Isaac Newton's iconic light experiment, to meeting a wartime code breaker and making hydrogen explosions, Professor Cox leads us through 300 years of British history, introducing us to the obsessive, eccentric, visionary characters who dragged us into the modern world by developing a powerful new way to investigate natureLess

60mins 2013-09-25

3. Clear Blue Skies

Professor Brian Cox guides viewers through 350 years of British science to reveal what science really ...More

Professor Brian Cox guides viewers through 350 years of British science to reveal what science really is, who the people are who practise it, and how it is inextricably linked to the past, present and future of each and every one of us. British science has a long track record of accidental discoveries improving our lot. Wondering why the sky is blue helped British scientists crack bacterial infection, whilst looking for a way to make quinine helped make our world a much more colourful place, as it led to the discovery of the first synthetic organic dye. But is this the best way to carry on?Less