Monday

Bang Goes The Theory (BBC1, 19.30-20.00) Another instalment of the hyperactive science-is-most-assuredly fun series.

Book at Bedtime: Solar by Ian McEwan (Radio 4, 22.45-23.00) Serialisation of McEwan’s new novel, centred around the life of a physicist. Continues same time each night.

Tuesday

Home Planet (Radio 4, 15.00-15.30) Conversation about the natural world.

Grow Your Own Drugs (BBC2, 20.00-20.30) New series of the show that looks at medical uses of everyday herbs and plants.

Richard Hammond’s Invisible World (BBC2, 21.00-22.00) The boggle-eyed presenter discovers many and divers uses for light beyond the visible spectrum.

Wednesday

God On My Mind (Radio 4, 21.00-21.30) Considers whether spiritual belief and religion can affect evolution.

Thursday

Material World (Radio 4, 16.30-17.00) Quentin Cooper on the pollution problem from shipping.

Museum of Life (BBC2, 20.00-21.00) Second part of this good-old-fashioned, if a little bloated, documentary series about the Natural History Museum.

Inside the Perfect Predator (BBC1, 21.00-22.00) New wildlife show using pioneering techniques to chronicle the lives of big, bad animals close up and personal.

Sunday

Wonders of the Solar System (BBC2, 21.00-22.00) Brian Cox and his astronomical budget travel to just about every country on Earth to explain the geology of other planets.