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Science, Maths & Technology
Seven Wonders of the Microbe World
What is a microbe and what have they ever done for us? From Black Death to Cholera, and Syphilis to Typhoid, microbes have been responsible for some of the world’s most devastating diseases. But they have also provided the human race with the technological advances of genetic engineering and nitrogen fixation, the vision of life on Mars, the ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Digital Film School
Have you ever wanted to pick up a video camera and make a short video or film, but felt intimidated by your lack of knowledge? The explosion of film-making for websites and mobiles gives people and organisations the opportunity to tell their stories and show what they have to offer, at low cost. This collection of exciting videos features The ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
9/11: Attack on the Wires
What happens when one of the worst terrorist attacks in history strikes the densest cluster of networks on the planet? How did the largest communications provider in the United States handle the surge in demand? Despite surviving earthquakes, hurricanes and other man-made and natural disasters, the staff at AT and T struggled to cope with the ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Moons of the Solar System
How did the solar system form? Are we alone in the Universe? What are alien atmospheres made of? These questions can be answered by studying the solar system's vast family of satellites. This collection of videos looks at five of the most intriguing worlds that we've managed to visit over the last fifty years, including The Moon, Europa, Phobos,...
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Science, Maths & Technology
The Linux Effect: 20th Anniversary
The Linux Operating System is 20 years old. This podcast series, presented by the Senior Lecturer in Computing at The Open University, Blaine Price, tells the story of an extraordinary operating system that in two short decades has grown from a students’ project to the foundation of the internet. Linux runs on everything from your wireless ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
How to Survive a Botnet Attack
Have you ever clicked on a link you were unsure of, or downloaded a risky attachment? If so, then you are in danger of becoming part of a Botnet, also known as a ‘zombie army'. The term ‘zombie army’ is used to refer to a number of computer networks that have become infected as a result of malicious third party software sneaking onto a user’s ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Design for beginners
How do you create depth and tone on paper? How do you create a cd case from scratch? Steve Garner, Professor of Design at The Open University answers these questions and others in this introduction to design basics. All design begins with translating ideas on to a canvas, and this collection encourages you to begin thinking about design ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
The Trojan Defence
Did you know that by surfing the internet you can lose your privacy, your money and even your identity? Computer viruses and Trojans often arise during the investigation of computer-based crime, such as the downloading of child pornography. But what if you are innocent? Often Trojans are cited as the cause in what’s become known in legal circles...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Women in Science
How have individual female scientists contributed to the advancement of science through time? To celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (March 8th) and to mark International Year of Chemistry 2011, The Open University asked some of the female scientists currently working in its Faculty of Science, to nominate their personal...
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Science, Maths & Technology
The Wizard of Oz: From Fractions to Formulas
Maths in movies has often been used creatively as a method by which to engage students in formulas and numerical theory. The 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz features a maze of potential mathematical problems – not least the Scarecrow’s incorrect pronunciation of Pythagoras’ theorem. Presented by The Open University’s David Brannan and Phil Rippon,...
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Nature & Environment
Culture and Climate Change
Every generation faces challenges that previous generations could scarcely imagine. Twenty years ago, few people were talking about climate change, now it's one of the most hotly-contested areas in politics. How do artists, writers, musicians and broadcasters respond when a new subject appears that is as large and significant as this? What kind...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Measuring the Immeasurable
We live with a paradox. We need to measure our world to make sense of it, but important things are really hard to measure. And, when we do measure important things, how do we tell people what we have found out? Dr Simon Bell from The Open University and the Bayswater Institute investigates the world of indicators (or measurements). Who decides...