The Code

Season 12011

Solve The Code and find a real-life treasure! The Code is a three-part TV series about maths 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? Join Marcus on an exciting journey to discover The Code!

3 Episodes

    E01 Numbers

    What do the proportions of Chartres Cathedral share with the life cycle of the cicada, with how we hear sound, and with the intricately designed nautilus shell? Du Sautoy investigates their sacred numbers and the power of pi.

    July 27, 2011

    E02 Shapes

    During his trip to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, Professor du Sautoy finds a fundamental truth about the universe written into the rocks. A hidden geometric force underpins all nature, from the structure of honeycombs to Pixar movies.

    August 3, 2011

    E03 Prediction

    While so much of life appears random, Du Sautoy shows how it is really governed by the code of chaos, in which small variations can cause vastly different outcomes, often referred to as the "butterfly effect."

    August 10, 2011