Fails in Physics
Course, Bachelor's level, 1FA045
Expand the information below to show details on how to apply and entry requirements.
Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Uppsala, 33%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 33%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Study period
- 2 November 2026–17 January 2027
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
60 credits in physics, mathematics, and/or chemistry.
- Selection
-
Higher education credits in science and engineering (maximum 240 credits)
- Fees
- If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 13,750
- Total tuition fee: SEK 13,750
- Application deadline
- 15 April 2026
- Application code
- UU-13015
Admitted or on the waiting list?
- Registration period
- 19 October 2026–1 November 2026
- Information on registration from the department
Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Uppsala, 33%, On-campus, English For exchange students
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 33%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Study period
- 2 November 2026–17 January 2027
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
60 credits in physics, mathematics, and/or chemistry.
Admitted or on the waiting list?
- Registration period
- 19 October 2026–1 November 2026
- Information on registration from the department
About the course
The course Fails in Physics explores the role of mistakes, misconceptions, and accidents in the advancement of physics. Failures have often paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries and paradigm shifts. This course invites you to reflect on and understand different cases when things did not go according to plan and how these "wrong turns" ultimately shaped physics.
Through case studies of accidental discoveries, flawed hypotheses, and controversial claims, we get insight into the scientific method as a dynamic process where disproving ideas is as valuable as confirming them. The course emphasizes critical thinking, historical context, and ethical considerations, encouraging students to embrace curiosity and openness in your research journey.
Outline for the course: Independent study, guided mentorship, and peer discussions. Each student will analyse a chosen case in depth, present their findings, and reflect on the lessons learned.
Reading list
No reading list found.