Professor from University of Cambridge lectures at Peking University
Apr 25, 2019
Peking University, April 25, 2019: Simon Redfern, professor of Mineral Physics and head of Earth Sciences Department of University of Cambridge, visited Peking University with Vice-Chancellor Stephen Toope on March 24. In the following 11 days, Redfern lectured at School of Earth and Space Sciences of PKU and had an in-depth exchange with faculty members and students.
On April 1, Professor Redfern had a discussion with SESS faculty members on research methodology and pedagogy. The two sides exchanged views on international field trips for undergraduates, exchange programs for postgraduates, and cooperation in scientific research.
Group photo
From March 30 to April 3, Professor Redfern gave a series of lectures surrounding “Principles of mineral behavior: how to build planets from the crust to the core.” Professor Redfern made a lead-in with two questions— “What is Earth made of” and “Who was the first to discover atoms?” He explained in detail that the silica tetrahedral structure and physical and chemical properties of various minerals constitute the Earth. He also touched upon research on geology.
Simon Redfern’s lecture
On the afternoon of April 3rd, Professor Redfern and Feng Xiaolei exchanged views with School faculty and students in Yifu Building. Redfern asked students about their current major and future plans; he answered students’ questions, including “What is the spirit of universities,” “What preparations should be made before studying at the Graduate School of Cambridge?”
In addition, Professor Redfern introduced the teaching mode of Cambridge University, characterized by small-size classes, where teachers attach great importance to the students’ grasp of knowledge. Usually when the teacher finishes teaching a lesson, there will be group work for students to discuss the answers of exercises. Students can consult the teaching assistant when necessary. Moreover, one to one tutorial is sometimes provided to help students with their learning.
Professor Redfern encouraged PKU students to keep on studying Earth Sciences and wrote the following message.
Message from Simon Redfern
Through Professor Redfern’s visit, both sides further deepened cooperation and understood educational pattern and pedagogy at each university.
Written by: Harper Lee
Edited by: Huang Yadan
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
