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Science, Maths & Technology
Can renewable energy sources power the world?
We ask the question ‘Can renewable energy sources power the world?’ as a response to the growing awareness that increased use of renewable energy technologies is making a major contribution to global efforts to limit anthropogenic climate change. The course begins by examining the environmental concerns that have caused a rise in interest in renewable energy, introducing the main sources and technologies, and describing global efforts to increase the share of renewables. The course then looks at each of the principal renewable energy technologies and the contributions they might make to global energy demand. Finally, several future energy scenarios are analysed to show how combinations of renewable energy sources and technologies could provide a major share of global energy needs.
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Nature & Environment
Aquatic mammals
Mammals come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes and yet all of the 4700 or so species have some characteristics in common, which justifies the inclusion of diverse types within a single group. Although mammals evolved on land, a number of species have become adapted to spending part or all of their lives in water and it is these mammals that you are going to concentrate on in this course. You will meet some aquatic mammals, find out how we can study them, consider their evolutionary history and read about human impacts on one iconic group.
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Languages
Beginners’ French: Food and drink
Improve your language skills by learning to communicate more easily and effectively in French. In this free course, Beginners' French: Food and drink, you will also gain an insight into French societies and cultures through focusing on food and drink. You will listen to French speakers in a variety of situations, and you will be provided with some skills for coping with reading texts.
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Languages
Business English: Making decisions
Do you want to relocate to the UK? This free course, Business English: Making decisions, will help you with the language difficulties that can ----- while providing assistance with the practicalities of the decision-making processes involved and the consultation that is necessary to ensure employees are kept informed.
Science, Maths & Technology
Earth From Space
Cameras in space tell stories of life on our planet from a brand new perspective.
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Education & Development
50 things you never knew about OpenLearn
The Open University turns 50 on 23rd April 2019, to coincide with the celebrations we've reeled off 50 surprising things about the OU's free online learning resources...
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Society, Politics & Law
Why we should abolish imprisonment for children and young people
Dr David Scott takes a look at the consequences of imprisoning children and young people, and the alternative solutions to this.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Geology toolkit
Discover the unique landscape of the British Isles with our interactive Geology Toolkit, featuring a geology timeline, rock analyser, rock cycle, landscape features and safety tips.
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