BBC Tomorrow's World has partnered with leading UK science institutions, including The Open University, to discover how our lives will be inspired and changed by science. To celebrate this, we've curated some of our most popular learning resources - from articles on whether robots should have rights, to explainers on how gene editing could improve our health in future, to OU research that's landed us on a comet - we've got it covered.
We're also co-producing a number of programmes with the BBC for Tomorrow's World, including Britain's Greatest Invention and Horizon: 10 Things You Need to Know about the Future. In the meantime, enjoy an abundance of FREE learning on the ever-changing world of science:
How is my life changing?
Three Unsung Inventions: Tarmac, Time and Propellers
Dr James Warren gives us the lowdown on three unsung inventions and the stories behind the ingenious inventors. Vote for your favourite in our poll.
Take part now ❯Three Unsung Inventions: Tarmac, Time and Propellers
Beachbrains
Ever tried to picture how many neurons we have inside our brain but can't envisage it? Use this busy beach analogy to help you understand the brain:
Read now ❯Beachbrains
Uncanny valley: why we find human-like robots and dolls so creepy
Why do robots that look human (but not quite human enough) make us uncomfortable?
Read now ❯Uncanny valley: why we find human-like robots and dolls so creepy
We might end up being looked after by robots. How do we prepare for that?
As old age approaches, Geoff Watts confronts an inevitable future in the care of robots. But that doesn’t mean he likes it.
Watch now ❯We might end up being looked after by robots. How do we prepare for that?
Should robots have rights?
The issue "should robots have rights?" opened proceedings at a Walking With Robots (WWR) dialogue event.
Read now ❯Should robots have rights?
A short history of the early days of artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence seems very much of our time - but as Jessica Riskin explains, history records many attempts to create machines that think.
Read now ❯A short history of the early days of artificial intelligence
Natural intelligence
One goal of artificial intelligence is to build machines that can operate in the real world, with all its noise and uncertainty. Much of what we want machines to do (see, recognise, navigate, move, coordinate) is already done very well by simple creatures. In this free course, Natural intelligence, we look at how such creatures achieve these goals and start to understand how we can build machines with the same capabilities.
Learn more ❯Natural intelligence
Digital urban infrastructures: Smart cities in the making
Nick Bingham discusses 'smart cities' and how digital technologies are changing the ways in which cities are planned and maintained.
Read now ❯Digital urban infrastructures: Smart cities in the making
Smart cities
This free course will help you to navigate your own path through the complex landscape of smart cities. You’ll hear from smart city innovators and entrepreneurs, city leaders, communities and business, connecting with learners from around the world to reflect on issues facing smart cities of different sizes and situations.
Learn more ❯Smart cities
What are the security risks of living in a Smart City?
The internet of things brings numerous advantages as our towns and cities become smarter - but there are also security risks. Brian Nussbaum is reassured that we're already talking about the potential downsides.
Read now ❯What are the security risks of living in a Smart City?
Big data and bioinformatics: Powerful tools for decoding DNA
With so many researchers all over the world producing information, is there a way for other scientists to look at large sets of results and use them to make new discoveries?
Read now ❯Big data and bioinformatics: Powerful tools for decoding DNA
Hans Rosling: Unveiling data on the world's health
In an animated fashion, Hans Rosling shows us the correct way to display data on health across the world.
Watch now ❯Hans Rosling: Unveiling data on the world's healthHow is my world changing?
60 second adventures in microgravity
What is microgravity, and how does it help science research? This series, funded by the UK Space Agency, explores how we recreate microgravity conditions on Earth, and why they are beneficial to scientific research.
Watch now ❯60 second adventures in microgravity
What missing lander means for Europe’s quest to find life on Mars
Loss of the Mars lander from its recent probe is diappointing, but the search for life on Mars goes on.
Read now ❯What missing lander means for Europe’s quest to find life on Mars
Why Rosetta is the greatest space mission of our lifetime
The Rosetta mission is just what's needed to inspire future astronauts and space scientists, writes Dr Natalie Starkey.
Read now ❯Why Rosetta is the greatest space mission of our lifetime
Climate change
Climate change is a key issue on today's social and political agenda. This free course explores the basic science that underpins climate change and global warming.
Learn more ❯Climate change
Researching Antarctic ice sheets
Dr Tamsin Edwards discusses her research on climate change and the instability of Antarctic ice sheets.
Watch now ❯Researching Antarctic ice sheets
Speed of Arctic changes defies scientists
The Arctic climate is changing so quickly that science can barely keep track of what is happening and predict the global consequences, the UN says.
Read now ❯Speed of Arctic changes defies scientistsHow is my health changing?
Rewriting DNA: An introduction to genome editing
Why would scientists want to alter the DNA of organisms or cells? One OU Ph.D. student explains all you need to know about genome editing...
Read now ❯Rewriting DNA: An introduction to genome editing
Targeted genome editing: Introducing the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Ever heard of CRISPR/Cas9? OU research student, Sonia Azeggagh, explains the impact of this genome editing technology on biology and medicine:
Read now ❯Targeted genome editing: Introducing the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Investigating Links Between Pesticides and Mental Health
What are the links between mood disorders and a type of pesticide called Organophosphates? One OU PhD student explains their research...
Read now ❯Investigating Links Between Pesticides and Mental Health
Can computers be therapists?
Can "e-therapies" be beneficial to those experiencing psychological issues, particularly young people? Dr Mathijs Lucassen looks at the evidence...
Read now ❯Can computers be therapists?
How are insect wings helping replace antibiotics?
Indian researchers have taken inspiration from nature to develop a way of protecting replacement hips and joints from infection - without the need for antibiotics.
Read now ❯How are insect wings helping replace antibiotics?
Shift working – does it change how we think?
How does sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm affect shift workers' cognition? Emily Breese, a postgraduate student at The OU, explains the importance of her research on this:
Read now ❯Shift working – does it change how we think?Tomorrow's World - Upcoming OU co-productions
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Britain's Greatest Invention
BBC Two takes us inside the Science Museum vaults and asks the nation to vote for Britain's Greatest Invention.
Learn moreBritain's Greatest InventionLevel: 1 Introductory
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Horizon: 10 Things You Need to Know...
...About the Future. Hannah Fry delves into the data we have today to give an evidence-based vision of tomorrow.
Learn moreHorizon: 10 Things You Need to Know...Level: 1 Introductory
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The 21st Century Race for Space
Brian Cox discovers whether the space billionaires can make mass space flight a reality.
Learn moreThe 21st Century Race for SpaceLevel: 1 Introductory
Become
Become an OU student
Diploma of Higher Education in Natural Sciences
This diploma is ideal if you're curious about the world we live in and enjoy delving into a broad range of scientific topics. You'll explore aspects of biology, chemistry, earth sciences, environmental sciences, physics, astronomy and planetary science ? while developing critical thinking, data analysis and problem-solving skills.
Science, Maths & Technology
Science: molecules, medicines and drugs
Explore the discovery and development of a range of drugs and medicines that relieve pain, alleviate symptoms, minimise the risk of infection and effect cures. is one of a series of 100-hour flexible online courses introducing fascinating topics in science. It allows you to learn about this topic just for interest and enables you to try out a new area of study before you commit yourself to further study. You can register and begin this course at any time and will have at least 6 months to complete it.
Science, Maths & Technology
Science: human genetics and health issues
This course deals with a subject of importance to us all ? our genes, which is an area at the forefront of developments in medical science. You'll examine the patterns of inheritance of genes, how genes function and why there are differences between individuals and between populations. is one of a series of 100-hour flexible online courses introducing fascinating topics in science. It allows you to learn about this topic just for interest and enables you to try out a new area of study before you commit yourself to further study. You can register and begin this course at any time and will have at least 6 months to complete it.
Science and health: an evidence-based approach
This key introductory module introduces the science of human health and is structured around eight globally important health topics, ranging from nutrition and infectious diseases to pain and breast cancer screening. Each topic integrates key concepts in the biological, chemical and physical sciences with psychology and health statistics to illuminate the causes of disease and disability and the consequence for individuals and populations. You will also develop the skills you need for further study of the health sciences, including evaluating evidence; handling numbers; presenting data; writing skills; and using information technology.
BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences
This degree is ideal if you're keen to study a specific area of science, or interested in studying across the scientific disciplines. Many of the challenges facing society today will involve a cross-disciplinary approach and this degree provides you with the opportunity to explore a range of sciences. It starts with a wide-ranging introduction to highly topical areas of modern science, giving you a good grounding in each before specialising. You can then continue with a broad-based approach, where you select modules in areas of interest to you. Or choose one of six specialist routes: astronomy and planetary science; biology; chemistry; earth sciences; environmental science; or physics. Your choice of specialism will be included in the name of your degree, for example, BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (Chemistry).
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