From forensic science to renewable energy: 8 new free online courses announced
Eight new free online courses are now live on FutureLearn and ready for you to join. They cover everything from forensic science to renewable energy, English to astronomy. Here’s our quick guide to them all.
In the Night Sky: Orion
From the basics of astronomy and stargazing, to the science behind the birth of a star, this four week course from The Open University will change the way you see the night sky.
You’ll examine one of the most famous constellations, Orion, who the Ancient Greeks believed was a huntsman placed among the stars by Zeus.
It starts on 05 January – join the course now.
Introduction to Forensic Science
This popular course from the University of Strathclyde returns. Over six weeks, you’ll solve a murder case set on the murky shores of Loch Lomond.
As the case unfolds, you’ll explore a number of evidence types, and the forensic science approaches that may be used to evaluate them.
It starts on 05 January – join the course now.
Managing People: Engaging Your Workforce
In this ten week course from the University of Reading, you’ll learn how to get the most out of people in the workplace.
If you have, or are about to have, managerial responsibility in any type of organisation, this course will introduce you to reflective practice in people management.
It starts on 12 January – join the course now.
Exploring English: Language and Culture
If you’re currently learning English, this British Council course will help you understand British culture and improve your language skills in context.
Over 100,000 people joined this six week course when it first ran in September. Now it returns for 2015.
It starts on 02 February – join the course now.
Four new Nature & Environment courses
There are also four new courses in our Nature & Environment category. These include two brand new ones from The Open University and Monash University:
- Elements of Renewable Energies: looks at how sustainable energy from the Greek elements – earth, air, wind and water – can replace fossil fuels and nuclear power. It lasts four weeks and starts on 12 January.
- Water for Liveable and Resilient Cities: explores how “water sensitive urban design” can improve our urban environment and quality of life, despite rapid population growth and climate change. It lasts seven weeks and starts on 02 March.
Two popular sustainability courses from the Universities of Bath and Exeter also return next year, starting on 12 January:
- Make an Impact: Sustainability for Professionals: explores how businesses today routinely incorporate sustainable development, via corporate social responsibility policies, product innovation and new business models. It lasts six weeks.
- Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions: explains the science of climate change, the risks it poses and the solutions available to reduce those risks. It lasts eight weeks.
