Whale anatomy is said to present one of the clearest examples of evolution through transitional stages. In this talk Dr Marc Surtees examines the fossil evidence for these transitions. He challenges the view that there is a neat set of transitions from land animals to whales.

Traditionally ancient historians have used records of the reign’s of Egyptian kings as the basis of their chronology. This has lead many to believe that the Old Testament gives an unreliable record of history. However recent evidence suggests that a number of Egyptian kings reigned simultaneously rather than consecutively. Mark Woolmer explains this is taken into account striking similarities are found between the Egyptian and Hebrew records and new light is shed on archaeological discoveries. This is a fascinating exploration of the current debate in ancient history.

Director of Cancer Research, University of Edinburgh. To what extent does DNA determine who we are?

Did religion evolve from primitive nature worship, to belief in many gods, to belief in a single creator God?

Paul James-Griffiths challenges this view as he examines ancient cultures and religions. He shows how the texts and customs of multiple ancient cultures converge on the major events recorded in the early chapters of Genesis. Paul then argues these religions that diverge in many other ways must have had a common root – Genesis.

Did humans evolve from apes? Zoologist Dr Marc Surtees examines the evidence.