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Science, Maths & Technology
Introduction to active galaxies
The field of active galaxies is recognised as one of increasing importance. But how do we know there are different kinds of galaxy? What are active galaxies? How are they powered? This free course, Introduction to active galaxies, examines the different types of active galaxies and looks at the crucial role of the active galactic nucleus and the...
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History & The Arts
Introducing Virgil’s Aeneid
This free course offers an introduction to the Aeneid. Virgil’s Latin epic, written in the 1st century BCE, tells the story of the Trojan hero Aeneas and his journey to Italy, where he would become the ancestor of the Romans. Here, you will focus on the characterisation of this legendary hero, and learn why he was so important to the Romans of ...
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Education & Development
Teaching and learning tricky topics
This free course is designed to provide a background and understanding of tricky topics, the practical application of threshold concepts, and their connection with learning design, digital innovation and learning analytics. The course, and the innovative teaching tricky topic process which it explores, will be useful for trainee or experienced ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Exploring anxiety
This free advanced level course, Exploring anxiety, serves as an introduction to masters level study in neurosciences and mental health. Focusing on anxiety, you will consider key issues concerning diagnosis, causes and interventions. You will also learn how to evaluate news items, and to go behind the headlines and begin to explore some of the ...
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History & The Arts
Creative writing and critical reading
This free course, Creative writing and critical reading, explores the importance of reading as part of a creative writer’s development at the postgraduate level. You will gain inspiration and ideas from examining other writers’ methods, as well as enhancing your critical reading skills. Examples will cover the genres of fiction, creative ...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Cultural differences in mental health?
The OU's Jonathan Leach asks: Are mental health problems the same across the globe?
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Science, Maths & Technology
How to compare income across countries
When we want to compare figures from two different countries, what makes for a fair basis of comparison? Tony Hirst and Hans Rosling explain.
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Society, Politics & Law
This is not a city: Milton Keynes
What makes a city and why does it matter?
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History & The Arts
The Partition of British India: Timeline
Track the key events during British colonial rule leading to the emergence of the independent nation-states of India and Pakistan in 1947.
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Science, Maths & Technology
How fertility rates affect population
Tony Hirst looks at population models and the effects of changing fertility rates.
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History & The Arts
O' Fortuna: Can you survive Early Modern Europe?
Pit yourself against fate by embarking on a journey into Europe during one of its most volatile periods: 1500-1700. Can your historical knowledge outwit tempestuous Fortuna?
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Digital & Computing
Timeline: The History of Technology and Silicon Valley
Who created the computer? What was the first video game? When did Apple first make $1bn? When was Facebook founded? Get the answers in our interactive timeline.