The Oxbridge Interview Book: Perplexing Problems in Maths, Physics and Engineering, with Solutions

by Thomas Povey

In 'The Oxbridge Interview Book', Thomas Povey shares 109 of his favourite problems in the mathematical sciences, guiding us through the wonderful, fascinating and quirky questions that have become synonymous with the Oxbridge interview.

Whether you are an aspiring scientist or an old-hand, you can now pit yourself against these uncompromisingly challenging problems, developed—in time honoured tradition—to test an interviewee’s ability to think. Detailed answers are provided, with a refreshing blend of scientific history, application and personal anecdote.

In this delightful and idiosyncratic romp through pre-university maths and physics, the author shows us that behind every single one of these questions lies a new way of thinking about subjects we felt we had understood. He argues that engaging with the unfamiliar is key to forming deeper insights and developing intellectual independence. The Oxbridge Interview Book is a manifesto that science should be playful, and that we should celebrate the curious.

384 pages, Hardcover

First published December 16, 2014

About the author

Thomas Povey is Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where he researches jet-engine and rocket technology. As a Tutorial Fellow, he has interviewed over 500 candidates. His science puzzles have appeared in The Guardian newspaper and been featured on BBC Radio 4.