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History & The Arts
Four weird ideas people used to have about women’s periods
Professor of Classical Studies Helen King takes a look at historic beliefs around menstrual periods.
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Science, Maths & Technology
What is the Minamata Convention on Mercury and what does it mean?
In August 2017, a new convention governing the use of Mercury came into force (at least in the countries which have signed up). María Elena Hurtado explains what it means - and why it's only a first step.
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Science, Maths & Technology
What effects does mercury have on health and the environment?
Although in its natural form mercury is not especially toxic, it still poses a real risk when it finds its way into the environment.
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level 2: intermediate icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Migration
Migration is a free course looking at the migrations of animals, with special reference to birds, and also introducing the themes of movement, selection and homeostasis.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Plastic materials, pollution and recycling
What benefits do plastics offer society? What can we do with used plastic to avoid damage to the environment? Simon Collinson investigates...
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Science, Maths & Technology
How does earthquake science help us track North Korea's nuclear tests?
Scientists more used to tracking natural threats can help shed light on what North Korea is up to. Neil Wilkins explains how.
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Nature & Environment
Should Houston prepare for more Hurricanes like Harvey?
It's been an event described as "historic" and "once in a thousand years" - but Andrew King explains why a changing climate might mean Harvey may be a harbinger.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Does it snow on Mars?
A new study - and photographic evidence - suggests that sometimes it snows on the Red Planet. Dave Rothery explains how.
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Society, Politics & Law
Could your brain activity be used in evidence against you?
If brain scans can reveal when someone is lying, should they become part of the court process? The OU's Paul Catley and Lisa Claydon consider the case.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Why does it matter that the Sun's core rotates faster than the surface?
New research has found that the Sun spins at different speeds. Stephen Serjeant explains why that's important.
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Society, Politics & Law
Are there other responses to urban terror than just more bollards?
Can we adapt urban environments in the face of a changing terrorist threat? Jon Coaffee says it's going to take more than just more concrete and steel barriers.
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level 1: introductory icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Meiosis and mitosis
This free course, Meiosis and mitosis, looks at how units of inheritance are transmitted from one generation to the next. First you will look at what happens to the chromosomes of animals and plants during the process of sexual reproduction. Then you will examine how genes are transmitted in particular patterns from generation to generation. ...