======================================================
The Code - General Information
======================================================
Status: Canceled/Ended
Premiere: July 27, 2011
Ended: August 10, 2011
Classification: Scripted
Genre: Discovery/Science
Network: BBC TWO (United Kingdom)
Runtime: 60 Minutes
1x01 -- 27-Jul-11 -- Numbers
Marcus looks at how prime numbers can explain the unique 13-year life-cycle of the periodic cicada, how 12th-century medieval clergy used simple number ratios to create cathedrals that they felt mirrored God's creation, and why the breaking of these harmonies helps us understand why sirens are so effective at getting our attention. Next, Marcus uses another ratio - pi - to predict a Brighton fisherman's biggest-ever catch.
Exploring the bizarre world of imaginary numbers, Marcus looks at how the radar used by air traffic controllers is only made possible because of a number that doesn't exist, and describes the surprising link between the structure of the nautilus shell and Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation.
1x02 -- 03-Aug-11 -- Shapes
In the second episode of this fascinating series, Professor Marcus du Sautoy uncovers the hidden patterns that explain the shape of the world around us.
Starting at the hexagonal columns of Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway, he discovers the code underpinning the extraordinary order found in nature - from rock formations to honeycomb and from salt crystals to soap bubbles.
Marcus reveals the mysterious code that governs the apparent randomness of mountains, clouds and trees and explores how this not only could be the key to Jackson Pollock's success, but has also helped breathe life into hugely successful movie animations.
1x03 -- 10-Aug-11 -- Prediction
In the second episode of this fascinating series, Professor Marcus du Sautoy uncovers the hidden patterns that explain the shape of the world around us.
Starting at the hexagonal columns of Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway, he discovers the code underpinning the extraordinary order found in nature - from rock formations to honeycomb and from salt crystals to soap bubbles.
Marcus reveals the mysterious code that governs the apparent randomness of mountains, clouds and trees and explores how this not only could be the key to Jackson Pollock's success, but has also helped breathe life into hugely successful movie animations.
======================================================
About the show
======================================================
The Code is a three-part series about mathematics in the world around us, presented by Marcus du Sautoy. Why do bees make hexagonal honeycomb? Who is in charge of the flight of a flock of swallows? How can dozens of wrong answers make a correct one?
Each week, Professor du Sautoy reveals how numbers and patterns dominate our natural and physical world.
======================================================
Date of last review or update: March 2, 2012
======================================================
