We will discuss four conceptions of Entropy in a couple of BrainFood sessions, drawing upon the historical context from the book Warmth Disperses and Time Passes – The History of Heat by Hans Christian von Baeyer, especially from chapters 7,13 and 18. Examples will be provided that can feed into detailed discussions of how the Second Law helps us understand Nature. In the first session, combining Clausius and Boltzmann, we will examine the theoretical basis for levitation. All are welcome, although we will pitch the discussion at a level suitable for students with some interest in Thermodynamics.

Come find out more with USP Director A/P Kang Hway Chuan!

This event is part of the BrainFood reading initiative that students can explore in the USP Reading Room.

USPolymath aims to set the stage for the continuation of a greater USP culture of intellectual sharing and interesting conversations, regardless of batch or background…this session will be another series of firsts, first freshie speaker (Eunice), in addition to our first exchange speaker (David). Topics for the night include:

• “What on earth is blockchain?” by Zheng Weihan
• “Plato’s Cave: Why We’re Still Trapped” by David Louis Chaim Blanga
• “Maybe it’s this world that’s crazy, not you” by Eunice Lim Chian Hwee
• “Pokémon Go!” by Ryan Paul Augustine Lim

Complimentary freshly brewed Rooibos Tea, caffeine free!

With the US Presidential elections happening in a month’s time, The Sessions team invites all USP students and staff to come discuss the role of the media in shaping politics and elections. Dr Eric Loepp, from the Political Science Department at the University of Wisconsin, will be speaking via Skype on the effect of the US’s privatised media on elections. USP faculty Dr Shawna Metzger will be moderating the session.

Please register here.

Sciences Po is France’s leading university in the social sciences and has been educating decision-makers in the public and private sectors for the past 140 years. As one of USP’s Student Exchange Programme (SEP) partner universities, USP students have the opportunity to spend a semester or year at Sciences Po’s Le Havre campus.

Ms Laurence Souloumiac, Director of Sciences Po’s Centre for Asia, the Pacific, Africa and the Middle East (APAMO), will provide an overview of Sciences Po and help answer questions from students considering Sciences Po as an exchange destination.

The sharing session is particularly useful to 1st and 2nd year students currently exploring their SEP options.