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Science, Maths & Technology
What chemical compounds might be present in drinking water?
Do you want to know what’s in the water that you drink? This free course, What chemical compounds might be present in drinking water?, examines the chemical compounds that occur in drinking water. A high level of certain anions in water can cause environmental pollution and health problems. Cations are also important. For example, calcium salts ...
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level 2: intermediate icon
Society, Politics & Law
What is politics?
What politics is, who does it, and where it happens remain deeply contested. This free course examines these debates and their implications for the study and practice of politics.
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level 1: introductory icon
History & The Arts
An introduction to music theory
Gain an understanding of the basic building blocks of musical theory and notation. This free course, An introduction to music theory, will introduce you to music staves, clefs, rhythmic and pitch values, rhythmic metre and time signatures. This OpenLearn course provides an introduction to music theory pitched at a level equivalent to Grades 1–3 ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
The secrets of the brain
Despite us all having one, the brain is a mystery. Here Ester Pascual-Baixauli tells us some fascinating facts about this organ...
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level 2: intermediate icon
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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level 2: intermediate icon
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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level 3: advanced icon
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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level 1: introductory icon
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Science, Maths & Technology
Understanding antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat, compromising our ability to treat infections and increasing the risk of routine surgery. Resistant infections are increasing due to overuse of antibiotics and this has resulted in the emergence of 'superbugs' (bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics). This free course, Understanding antibiotic ...
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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
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.