EXTRA CREDIT is a new lecture series presented by China Cloud Studios. We have invited prominent academics, from a wide variety of disciplines, to come share their research and knowledge. This is a unique opportunity to come learn and mingle with them in the comfort of the warm China Cloud Studios environment. Hosted and curated by UBC faculty Dr. Azim Shariff and musician Jenn Bojm.
Abstract:
In this talk, I will introduce some of the key ideas of quantum mechanics: the sometimes bizarre set of physics rules that gives our best understanding of how nature works at a fundamental level, for example - quantum superpositions, wavefunctions, and indeterminacy. I will explain how these are related to much more familiar ideas from the science of music and musical instruments.
Bio:
I am a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia, where I have worked since 2002. In my research, I work towards a better theoretical understanding of elementary particle physics, classical and quantum gravity, and cosmology. Most of my research has focused on string theory and quantum field theory.
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2026-04-17T20:30:002026-04-17T23:00:00Quantum Mechanics: The Music of the UniverseEvent Information:
EXTRA CREDIT is a new lecture series presented by China Cloud Studios. We have invited prominent academics, from a wide variety of disciplines, to come share their research and knowledge. This is a unique opportunity to come learn and mingle with them in the comfort of the warm China Cloud Studios environment. Hosted and curated by UBC faculty Dr. Azim Shariff and musician Jenn Bojm.
Abstract:
In this talk, I will introduce some of the key ideas of quantum mechanics: the sometimes bizarre set of physics rules that gives our best understanding of how nature works at a fundamental level, for example - quantum superpositions, wavefunctions, and indeterminacy. I will explain how these are related to much more familiar ideas from the science of music and musical instruments.
Bio:
I am a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia, where I have worked since 2002. In my research, I work towards a better theoretical understanding of elementary particle physics, classical and quantum gravity, and cosmology. Most of my research has focused on string theory and quantum field theory.
Learn More:
About Mark: https://phas.ubc.ca/~mav/vanraamsdonk.html
Learn more about the physics of music from Mark's website! https://phas.ubc.ca/~mav/POM.html
About quantum mechanics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics
About science and music: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/connections/connections/science--music/ Event Location:
China Cloud Studios, Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
