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Health, Sports & Psychology
The Z Files: Professor Geoff Palmer
From grain to whisky, poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah interviews Professor Geoff Palmer about his journey to becoming a respected scientist
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Science, Maths & Technology
The Z Files: Jon Chase
Poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah interviews Jon Chase about his passion for communicating science to young people
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level 1: introductory icon
Science, Maths & Technology
What are waves?
This free course, What are waves? explains what waves are. It describes different types of wave as well as their properties. You can listen to the song of a humpback whale and learn about the process of echolocation which is used by dolphins to locate their food. You will also conduct your own online research into how bats use echolocation to ...
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level 2: intermediate icon
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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Science, Maths & Technology
Pumice
A brief description of the nature of pumice
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Science, Maths & Technology
DIY: Experiments with Natural Dyes
Step-by-step guide on how to make your own natural dye, part of the BBC/OU's programme website for Rough Science 1
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Science, Maths & Technology
Rhyolite
A brief description of the nature of rhyolite
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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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Science, Maths & Technology
The machine that is still changing the world
The automotive sector is not only continuing to adapt and improve itself, but through the adaptation and spread of its techniques to manage operations more effectively in other sectors, it is also continuing to change the world.
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level 3: advanced icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Introduction to finite element analysis
What is finite element analysis (what is it and why do we carry it out? This free course, Introduction to finite element analysis, introduces the essence of finite element analysis. As an example of its use, you will look at the case of FEA of the tub of a racing car. You will also have the opportunity to try out two exercises to carry out a ...
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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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Science, Maths & Technology
Maths for Energy Science
Are you considering doing a science qualification but wondering if you have adequate maths skills? Test yourself in our interactive.