The way we generate our power has to change and nuclear energy is back on the political agenda in order to reduce caron emissions. Would you like the knowledge to make an informed decision on the debate? Look no further than OpenLearn where we have produced a range of material to help develop your understanding of all things nuclear.
Whether you're taking our free courses The Science of Nuclear Energy on FutureLearn or Understanding Nuclear Power on FutureLearn or would like to view a variety of related content on OpenLearn, we've collated a range of academic articles, videos, podcasts and relevant free courses to support your learning and give you a wider perspective on this fascinating subject.
Preparation
Before you start this course you may want to brush up on your Maths, English or Study Skills with our range of free courses.
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The Open University offers a range of degree courses and modules in Science.
To find out more about our range of short courses starting from £160 visit our short courses page. We also offer post-graduate research projects in the subject.
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Take your learning further with our free resources
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Unclear about nuclear?
Young people (18+) who are interested in but unsure about entering the nuclear industry will find assistance in this free course, Unclear about nuclear? It will help develop their understanding of nuclear energy, improve their study and maths skills in a nuclear context and aid them in investigating further training (within and beyond the OU) or employment opportunities in the nuclear industry.
Learn moreUnclear about nuclear?Level: 1 Introductory
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Nuclear power: Friend or foe?
Are you for or against nuclear energy? The necessity to respond to climate change has put nuclear energy back on the political agenda as an alternative energy source. This is part of approaches to 'decarbonise' energy through a shift from coal to natural gas, nuclear energy and renewables. Yet, the recourse to nuclear energy is hotly debated. Opponents are rife, as are supporters. Can you adopt each position in turn? This free course, Nuclear power: Friend or foe?, challenges you to do so.
Learn moreNuclear power: Friend or foe?Level: 2 Intermediate
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Fast Reactors and Thorium
The special topics for Week 1 of Understanding Nuclear Energy are fast reactors and thorium.
Read nowFast Reactors and ThoriumLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Nuclear power - yes please?
Are we coming to terms with nuclear power - or is a push for reactors masking a need to reduce consumption?
Read nowNuclear power - yes please?Level: 1 Introductory
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Nuclear power? No thanks!
In this opinion column, Mark Johnston from Greenpeace UK explores the issues at the heart of the nuclear debate as he sees them.
Read nowNuclear power? No thanks!Level: 1 Introductory
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Fukushima: nuclear concerns
Following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the spotlight is now on the nuclear situation there. The team preparing the new OU course Inside Nuclear Energy offers an insight
Read nowFukushima: nuclear concernsLevel: 1 Introductory
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An introduction to energy resources
Energy resources are essential for any society, be it one dependent on subsistence farming or an industrialised country. There are many different sources of energy, some well-known such as coal or petroleum, others less so, such as tides or the heat inside the Earth. Is nuclear power a salvation or a nightmare? This free course, An introduction to energy resources, provides background information to each, so that you can assess them for yourself.
Learn moreAn introduction to energy resourcesLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Understanding water quality
Please note, this course was written in 2003/2004 therefore some of the information is now outdated. Water is arguably the most important physical resource as it is the one that is essential to human survival. Understanding the global water cycle and how we use water is essential to planning a sustainable source of water for the future. In the UK there are areas where water supplies are limited, shown by recent droughts. Globally, there are many areas that do not have enough water to support the current population adequately. Decisions will have to be made on the best way to use water in a world where there is climate change. This free course, Understanding water quality, helps explain the options.
Learn moreUnderstanding water qualityLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Energy resources: Tidal energy
The rise and fall of ocean tides result from the combined gravitational pull on water by the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun, which exerts a force on water directed towards the two astronomical bodies. These gravitational effects combine with centrifugal forces that result from the Earth and the Moon orbiting each other. All of which makes tidal change a complex process. Energy resources: Tidal energy, is a free course that considers the power of the ocean tides as a potential source of useable energy and whether or not it can ever make any significant contribution to global energy supplies.
Learn moreEnergy resources: Tidal energyLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Energy resources: Coal
During the Industrial Revolution half of the world's coal came from Britain. We still rely heavily on it today to meet our energy needs, but now we import more than we produce. Burning it introduces large amounts of gases into the atmosphere that harm the environment in a variety of ways. In this free course, Energy resources: Coal, it will become apparent that the most appealing quality of coal is that there is plenty of it.
Learn moreEnergy resources: CoalLevel: 2 Intermediate
Preparation for study
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Succeed with maths – Part 1
If you feel that maths is a mystery that you want to unravel then this short course is for you.
Read moreSucceed with maths – Part 1 -
Essay and report writing skills
Writing reports and assignments can be a daunting prospect. Learn how to interpret questions and how to plan, structure and write your assignment or report. This free course, Essay and report writing skills, is designed to help you develop the skills you need to write effectively for academic purposes.
Learn moreEssay and report writing skillsLevel: 1 Introductory
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Reading and note taking – preparation for study
Reading and note taking are two essential study skills. How do you read? This free course, Reading and note taking preparation for study, will introduce you to different techniques to help you to alter the way you read according to the type of material you are studying. You will also learn the techniques behind successful note taking and how to apply them to your own notes.
Learn moreReading and note taking – preparation for studyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Badges come to OpenLearn
Using our free courses and want to show others what you've learned? We've got great news for you...
Read nowBadges come to OpenLearn
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