Free courses

Produced by The Open University, a world leader in open and distance learning, all OpenLearn courses are free to study. We offer nearly 1000 free courses across 9 different subject areas. Our courses are available to start right away.

  • All topics
Grid List Results: 199 items
Geometry free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Geometry

Geometry is concerned with the various aspects of size, shape and space. In this free course you will explore the concepts of angles, shapes, symmetry, area and volume through interactive activities.

Free course
5 hrs
Design thinking free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Design thinking

Are you ever frustrated with something that you thought you could design better? This free course, Design thinking, will show you how to structure your natural creativity to come up with solutions to all kinds of problems, and have fun in the process too!

Free course
10 hrs
Learning, thinking and doing free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Learning, thinking and doing

How do we learn? Understanding how is the key to learning more effectively. This free course, Learning, thinking and doing, looks at the three main categories of theories: the acquisitive, constructivist and experiential models of learning. There is no right way to learn but developing an active approach will ensure that you are open to new ideas.

Free course
16 hrs
Biofuels free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Biofuels

This free course, Biofuels, investigates what is meant by a biofuel and covers the advantages of using biofuels compared with fossil fuels. The different types of biofuel are explored, with particular emphasis on transport biofuels. Finally, the issue of whether biofuels are the complete answer to our future energy needs is considered.

Free course
5 hrs
Histology, microscopy, anatomy and disease free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Histology, microscopy, anatomy and disease

This free course, Histology, microscopy, anatomy and disease, will help you understand the basic principles of light microscopy, before introducing you to histology, concentrating on the structure, function and relationship of normal human tissues.

Free course
12 hrs
More working with charts, graphs and tables free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

More working with charts, graphs and tables

When you encounter maths or technical content you'll need to know how to interpret this information, and possibly to present your own findings in this way. This free course, More working with charts, graphs and tables, will help you to develop the skills you need to do this, and gain the confidence to use them. This free course builds on our ...

Free course
15 hrs
Univariate continuous distribution theory free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Univariate continuous distribution theory

This free course looks at a number of the basic properties of statistical models. Section 1 is concerned with the distributions of continuous random variables which are described by their probability density functions (pdfs) and cumulative distribution functions (cdfs). Section 2 is concerned with moments and covers, the concept of expectation ...

Free course
10 hrs
Introduction to differentiation free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Introduction to differentiation

This free course is an introduction to differentiation. Section 1 looks at gradients of graphs and introduces differentiation from first principles. Section 2 looks at finding derivatives of simple functions. Section 3 introduces rates of change by looking at real life situations. Section 4 looks at using the derivative of a function to deduce ...

Free course
18 hrs
IT: Information free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

IT: Information

BBC News 24, Sky News, CNN. We live in an era where news has become almost instantaneous. This free course, IT: Information, will look at how news is gathered and the technology that's used for its dissemination. You will also be encouraged to examine how information might be manipulated by questioning its reliability.

Free course
20 hrs
Seeing the light free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Seeing the light

This free course, Seeing the light, will teach you about how the Sun affects your home, both in terms of light and warmth and the energy it generates. You will learn about how it can affect your health and well-being, and how different climates design their homes differently to maximise the benefits of the Sun.

Free course
10 hrs
Exploring depression free course icon level 3: advanced icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Exploring depression

This free advanced level course, Exploring depression, serves as an introduction to masters level study in neurosciences and mental health. Focusing on depression, you will consider key issues concerning diagnosis, causes and interventions. You will also begin to explore theoretical models, biological and psychological explanations, and look at ...

Free course
7 hrs
Studying mammals: The insect hunters free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Nature & Environment

Studying mammals: The insect hunters

From pygmy shrews to armadillos, a wide range of mammals survive on a diet made up largely of insects. Many of these have fascinating adaptations suited to catching or rooting out their prey. In this free course, Studying mammals: The insect hunters, you will learn about these adaptations, along with survival strategies for when food is scarce. ...

Free course
10 hrs