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Nature & Environment
Extinctions at World Heritage Sites aren't just environmental disasters
As species vanish at alarming rates from protected areas, the impact goes beyond loss of diversity. Emilio Rodríguez Mega reports.
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level 1: introductory icon
Science, Maths & Technology
The Moon
As the only planetary body everyone is familiar with seeing in the sky, the Moon has long been an object of fascination and speculation. This free course will teach you about the nearest planetary body to Earth: the missions to the Moon, the basic facts of its composition, the cratering on its surface, and the ancient eruptions that flooded many...
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Education & Development
Has media literacy become self-destructive?
Danah Boyd, founder of Data & Society, asks if American society has become too distrustful of experts
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Science, Maths & Technology
Should the NHS have been better prepared for the cyber-highwaymen?
The Wannacry malware attack which locked down vital systems throughout much of the NHS on Friday was preventable, explains Conor Deane-McKenna.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Does nanotechnology offer a better way of dealing with electronic waste?
Obsolete computer equipment creates a waste headache. Smashing it up into tiny, tiny particles might be the best way of recycling, says new research.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Why is Enceladus a possible home for life - and should we visit to find out?
The Cassini spacecraft has had a look at Saturn's moon, and it could be perfect for life to form there. Dave Rothery reckons we need a closer look.
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History & The Arts
How the ZX Spectrum and ZX81 shaped Frank Sidebottom
Rhys James Jones traces the legendary Frank Sidebottom's roots back to the early days of home computing. (When "computing" was a thing you did, and doing it at home was especially noteworthy.)
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Society, Politics & Law
Why are many African governments wary of social media?
Much as in Europe, governments in Africa are nervous about how social media might influence the population. Charlotte Cross explores an difficult relationship.
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History & The Arts
Earth from above, 18th Century style
Hot air ballooning gave people the first chance to gaze down on the planet from the heavens - and quickly became a battleground between science and spectacle. Lily Ford gives an aerial view.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Challenge: Make paper and ink
Could our stricken scientists make their own paper and ink? It required undestanding of the processes involved.
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Society, Politics & Law
Why are synthetic drugs such a problem for the UK's prisons?
Spice, and other synthetic drugs, are spreading through UK prisons at a rate that the authorities are struggling to respond to. The OU's David Scott explains why.
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level 2: intermediate icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Egyptian mathematics
The Egyptians are known for being ahead of their time in comparison to some civilisations that came after them. This free course, Egyptian mathematics, looks at how the Egyptians solved mathematical problems in everyday life and the technology they used. An understanding of this area has only been possible following the translation of the ...