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What is the Probability of the Sinking of the Titanic? We live in an uncertain world, and a basic familiarity with probability theory can help. Several real-life applications of probability will be discussed, including the Titanic and the bible codes. Probability is also a key tool in modern science, as illustrated with the aid of problems in finance and statistical physics. Professor Geoffrey Grimmett (Churchill 1999) is the Master-elect of Downing College. He arrived in Cambridge in 1992 as the Professor of Mathematical Statistics, after 16 wonderful years in Bristol spent grappling with uncertainly and exploring wild parts of the world. He is an expert in the mathematical theory of disordered physical systems.
Raspberry Pi — Putting Fun Back into Computing Raspberry Pi is a £25 credit-card-sized barebones computer, with one million sales. Learn the what, why and how of its design, how it is helping to transform education (formal and informal) and some entertaining applications. Understand the dangers of functionally closed systems and why open systems are vital for education. Professor Alan Mycroft (King’s 1974) Professor of Computing in Cambridge, studied Mathematics at Cambridge and Computer Science at Edinburgh. His research centres on programming languages, their analysis and translation. Professor Mycroft’s interests span the theory-practice divide, including having co-written the first C compiler (‘Norcroft’) for ARM. He is also a co-founder and trustee of the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
Floating Brains and Consciousness Our brains almost float within our skulls. The mechanisms involved are becoming better understood. When these mechanisms fail a wide spectrum of disorders result ranging from eyesight problems after prolonged space flight, dementia and disorders of consciousness caused by brain slump. Professor John Pickard (St Catharine’s 1964) is Professor of Neurosurgery and Chairman of the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre (“Sick patients cannot go to the scanner; the scanner must come to the patient”). He leads a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to advancing the care of critically ill patients after brain injury.