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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...
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Science, Maths & Technology
The science of the mind: investigating mental health
How do biology, psychology and social science contribute to our understanding of mental health and mental illness? How do the biomedical and biopsychosocial models compare when it comes to diagnosis and treatment? This album reveals the importance of the perspective scientists and health professionals take, and the difference it can make to ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Fire and Ice
How are volcanoes created? And how can scientists re-construct eruptions from many thousands of years ago? On a field trip to Iceland, Dr Dave McGarvie visits a range of volcanoes. These include Askja, a particularly spectacular and active volcano in Iceland’s remote interior, and the valley where astronauts once trained to land on the Moon. ...
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Science, Maths & Technology
Imagining Scientists
Why does the stereotype of a scientist with mad hair, big spex, white coat endure and how does this image relate to what 21st century scientists actually look like and do? For more than 60 years researchers have explored stereotypes of scientists. During this time they have attempted to isolate the small number of essential, simplified criteria ...
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Nature & Environment
Letter to a Climate Sceptic
Why is there so much scepticism around climate change? And why does it continue to cause controversy among scientists? In 2009 the ‘Climategate’ news story, regarding stolen emails from the University of East Anglia’s Climate Research Unit, became symbolic of public mistrust in climate science. In this audio, in the form of an open letter, The ...