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.

Grid List Results: 199 items
Using a scientific calculator free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Using a scientific calculator

Do you have a Casio fx-83 ES scientific calculator (or a compatible model) and want to learn how to use it? This free course, Using a scientific calculator, will help you to understand how to use the different facilities and functions and discover what a powerful tool this calculator can be!

Free course
10 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
Digital forensics free course icon level 3: advanced icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Digital forensics

Digital evidence features in just about every part of our personal and business lives. Legal and business decisions hinge on having timely data about what people have actually done. This free course, Digital forensics, is an introduction to computer forensics and investigation, and provides a taster in understanding how to conduct investigations...

Free course
8 hrs
The restless Universe free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

Science, Maths & Technology

The restless Universe

The restless Universe introduces you to major achievements and figures in the history of physics, from Copernicus to Einstein and beyond. The route from classical to quantum physics will be laid out for you in this free course without recourse to challenging mathematics but with the fundamental features of theories and discoveries described in ...

Free course
12 hrs
Engineering: The challenge of temperature free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Engineering: The challenge of temperature

Engineering is about extending the horizons of society by solving technical problems, ranging from the meeting of basic human needs for food and shelter to the generation of wealth by trade. This free course, Engineering: The challenge of temperature, looks at the impact of changes in temperature on a variety of objects and looks at the problem ...

Free course
40 hrs
Engineering: The nature of problems free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Engineering: The nature of problems

Engineering is about extending the horizons of society by solving technical problems, ranging from the meeting of basic human needs for food and shelter to the generation of wealth by trade. In this free course, Engineering: The nature of problems, we learn that engineers see the problems more as challenges and opportunities than as difficulties...

Free course
40 hrs
The frozen planet free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Nature & Environment

The frozen planet

This free course is a general introduction to the frozen planet, including the temperature in the polar regions; the energy from the Sun and the seasons; reading and understanding graphs and maps; and how the Arctic and Antarctic regions are defined.

Free course
7 hrs
Technological innovation: a resource-based view free course icon level 3: advanced icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Technological innovation: a resource-based view

This free course, Technological innovation: a resource-based view, aims to provide you with an overview and introduction to a range of related concepts, ideas and debates which enable you to develop a critical understanding of capabilities in relation to technological innovation. It will enable you to develop a critical understanding of the ...

Free course
10 hrs
Systems modelling free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Systems modelling

Maps and plans, architects and engineers, drawings, graphs and tables: all are models we use in everyday life. This free course, Systems modelling, will introduce you to the modelling process, enabling you to recognise that systems models may be used in different ways as part of a process for: improving understanding of a situation; identifying ...

Free course
4 hrs
Systems engineering: Challenging complexity free course icon level 3: advanced icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Systems engineering: Challenging complexity

This free course, Systems engineering: Challenging complexity, examines system engineering and why it is important. You will learn to identify and evaluate the importance of relationships within the process and assess the relative importance of stakeholders. You will also be able to classify a systems engineering project in terms of the balance ...

Free course
25 hrs
Studying mammals: Return to the water free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Nature & Environment

Studying mammals: Return to the water

Some of the most unusual and versatile of all the mammals are the groups that live, feed and reproduce underwater. In this free course, Studying mammals: Return to the water, we will see how these formerly land-based mammals adapted to a return to the water, discussing such challenges as breathing, movement and communication. This is the seventh...

Free course
10 hrs
Numbers, units and arithmetic free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Numbers, units and arithmetic

Do fractions and decimals make you apprehensive about maths? Do you lack confidence in dealing with numbers? If so, then this free course, Numbers, units and arithmetic, is for you. The course will explain the basics of working with positive and negative numbers and how to multiply and divide with fractions and decimals.

Free course
5 hrs