The Oxbridge Interview Book: Perplexing Problems in Maths, Physics and Engineering, with Solutions - Hardcover

Povey, Thomas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1780746024 ISBN 13: 9781780746029

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 2014

Synopsis

In The Oxbridge Interview Book, Thomas Povey shares 109 of his favourite problems in the mathematical sciences, guiding us through the wonderful, fascinating and quirky questions that have become synonymous with the Oxbridge interview.

Whether you are an aspiring scientist or an old-hand, you can now pit yourself against these uncompromisingly challenging problems, developed—in time honoured tradition—to test an interviewee’s ability to think. Detailed answers are provided, with a refreshing blend of scientific history, application and personal anecdote.

In this delightful and idiosyncratic romp through pre-university maths and physics, the author shows us that behind every single one of these questions lies a new way of thinking about subjects we felt we had understood. He argues that engaging with the unfamiliar is key to forming deeper insights and developing intellectual independence. The Oxbridge Interview Book is a manifesto that science should be playful, and that we should celebrate the curious.

About this title

Review

'An admirable book... Albert Einstein is rumoured to have said: ‘Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.’ The Oxbridge Interview Book shows you how.'

 

(Andrew Robinson, author of Einstein: A Hundred Years of Relativity)

'This instructive book will allow aspiring young scientists to test and expand their knowledge of physics and mathematics, and gain greater confidence in their abilities.  It will also entertain and inspire them.'

(Professor Sir Chris Llewellyn Smith FRS, Director General of CERN 1994-98)

'At last good, practical help for able students who should apply for Oxbridge, whatever their background.'

(Tony Little, Head Master of Eton)

‘Tragically, state school students are often at a distinct disadvantage in the Oxbridge interview – not benefiting from the essential preparation their more privileged peers receive. I welcome Professor Povey's new book which helpfully reveals the questions candidates can expect and demystifies the interview process.’

(Sir Peter Lampl, Founder and Chairman of the Sutton Trust)

‘This book succeeds brilliantly at two levels: it punctures all the myths about Oxbridge admissions and then provides a rich abundance of sane, practical advice and guidance to Oxbridge aspirants and their teachers.’

(Ken Warman, Principal of BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College)

About the Author

Thomas Povey is Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where he researches jet-engine and rocket technology. As a Tutorial Fellow, he has interviewed over 500 candidates. His science puzzles have appeared in The Guardian newspaper and been featured on BBC Radio 4.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1780746024
• ISBN 13: 9781780746029
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 384