It's not Rocket Science

It's not Rocket Science is a podcast from the Collegio Superiore of the University of Bologna, conceived, written, and recorded by the PhD students of the International PhD College. It is a dissemination project created to make the University more understandable, accessible, and engaging! It is an open space for discussion on teaching, research, and opportunities in scientific and cultural fields, structured to be accessible to anyone interested, with particular attention to future students. The format features an informal chat between moderators and guests from both the academic world and other professional sectors.

Created by: Francesco Carenini, Marielle Djusse, Pietro Michael Lepidi, Augusto Nozella.

Episodes

  • Ep. 0 Cominciamo!

    It's Not Rocket Science is a podcast that explores the kaleidoscopic world of the University. For those who attend, for those who are undecided, and for the curious! Created by the PhD students of the Collegio Superiore of the University of Bologna, we will discuss teaching, research, and future perspectives with those on the other side of the lectern. Let's get started!

  • Ep. 1 Medicina e Chirurgia

    What does it really mean to study medicine? In this first episode, Professors Matteo Cerri and Matteo Ravaioli talk to us about this providential discipline. By exploring the degree program, we discuss the role of university hospitals, the impact of artificial intelligence in research, and the challenges in the medical field, such as hibernation and liver transplants.

  • Ep. 2 Fisica

    Physics is the key to understanding the universe. In this episode, Professor Beatrice Fraboni and Dr. Stefano Marcellini guide us through the world of physics. We will talk about particle physics at the Large Hadron Collider, innovation in semiconductors, and how AI is revolutionizing research. Additionally, we will discuss gender bias in physics and the importance of scientific dissemination in combating fake news.

  • Ep. 3 Lettere

    Do words have the power to change the world? Professors Giuseppe Ledda and Paola Maria Carmela Italia guide us through the world of literary studies, describing the career opportunities offered by a degree in literature. We discuss the rise of Digital Humanities and how technology is transforming literary research. We also address the role of AI in literature, exploring innovations in creativity and the value of critical thinking.

  • Ep. 4 Ingegneria

    Engineering builds the future, but how can we best prepare to face it? In this episode, Professor Marina Barbiroli and Professor Giorgio Olmi guide us through the degree programs in Engineering. We discuss gender bias, interdisciplinary approaches, and contributions to sustainability, all the way to discovering the frontiers of research: innovative materials, 5G, and artificial intelligence.

  • Ep. 5 Scienze Politiche

    Can politics be studied as a science? We discuss this with Professors Matteo Dian and Federico Toth, who tell us about the degree program in political science. We debate whether a degree is truly necessary for a political career and the role of diplomacy in conflicts. We talk about the 'new Cold War' between China and the West, the Italian healthcare system during COVID-19, and the impact of artificial intelligence.

  • Ep. 6 Scienze Agro-Alimentari

    The future of food and sustainability lies in agriculture: how so? In this episode, Professors Maria Luisa Dindo and Paola Mattarelli share with us the study and career opportunities in agricultural sciences, addressing topics such as GMOs and insects as food for the future. We discuss research on biodiversity, insect farming, the role of microorganisms in health, and the impact of climate change.