Wonders of Life is a sell-out show
01 Feb 2013
Waiting list for special screening of show followed by Q&A session with Brian Cox
The wonderful world of biology is currently taking centre stage on BBC 2 with the new series Wonders of Life. Not only is the programme being presented by Professor Brian Cox, the University also had a starring role behind the scenes.
A special screening is being held on the evening of 25 February, the day after the last episode is broadcast, followed by a Question and Answer session with Brian Cox, alumnus Andrew Cohen, now Head of Science at the BBC, and Professor Matthew Cobb from the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS).
Such was the popularity of the event, the places allocated to alumni, staff and students have now been taken; however to register on the waiting list email:
The Wonders of Life airs on BBC 2 on Sundays at 9pm or you can see it on:
Matthew, Professor of Zoology, was one of two named consultants on the ambitious series and on the accompanying book, while other Manchester staff involved and thanked in the credits include the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences Professor Martin Humphries, Professor Andrew Loudon and Dr Bill Sellers.
Matthew said: “Because Brian was presenting the series he already knew what expertise the university could offer.
“The Faculty of Life Sciences was approached by the producers and we had an initial meeting with a number of academics, including the President and Vice Chancellor Dame Nancy Rothwell. We discussed what aspects of the evolution of life the series could cover from a scientific perspective and looked at the science behind some of the ideas the producers already had.”
He added: “The final programmes are a wonderful mix of science, natural history and stunning images from some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. It will make people look at the natural world in a totally different way. In fact, after watching the series I learnt a few things about the wonders of life!”