You must complete three of the Badged Open Courses (BOCs) listed below in order to make up the required hours of independent learning as part of your studies for the Contemporary topics in science module. Click on the BOC of your choice to explore the content and start learning!
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Understanding science: what we cannot know
Learn more to access more details of Understanding science: what we cannot knowThis free course, Understanding science: what we cannot know, investigates the boundaries of our understanding across numerous scientific fields. It asks whether it's possible that we will one day know everything, or whether some knowledge will always lie beyond the bounds of human comprehension.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Could we control our climate?
Learn more to access more details of Could we control our climate?Climate crisis is one of the grand challenges we face as a society, but it can be hard to approach as a subject. Not only can the science at times seem dauntingly complex, but the solutions are also far from clear. This leaves many people feeling confused, guilty, anxious, angry, or else completely switched off from the subject. This course ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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An introduction to exoplanets
Learn more to access more details of An introduction to exoplanetsThis free course, An introduction to exoplanets, introduces our galaxy's population of planets, and some of their many surprises. It explains the methods used by astronomers to study exoplanets, and provides a general introduction to the methods of scientific inquiry. The course culminates in discussion of life elsewhere in our Galaxy.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Citizen science and global biodiversity
Learn more to access more details of Citizen science and global biodiversityThis free course, Citizen science and global biodiversity, deals with the importance of biodiversity and explores how anyone can contribute to and be involved in identifying and recording wildlife, as a citizen scientist. It looks at what citizen science is, and how citizen science facilitates public involvement in scientific research ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Discovering chemistry
Learn more to access more details of Discovering chemistryChemistry lies at the centre of our modern life, playing a part in areas as diverse as the development of new drugs and materials, analysing our environment through to more mundane activities such as washing your clothes and making your tea. But to truly understand the role chemistry plays you need to have a sound grasp of a number of ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Microgravity: living on the International Space Station
Learn more to access more details of Microgravity: living on the International Space StationThis free badged open course, Microgravity: living on the International Space Station, will help you to consider microgravity environments in more detail than before! You will make direct comparisons of some important physical values between the International Space Station (ISS), the Earth and the Moon.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Moons of our Solar System
Learn more to access more details of Moons of our Solar SystemIn this free course, Moons of our Solar System, explore the many moons of our Solar System. Find out what makes them special. Should we send humans to our Moon again?
Level: 1 Introductory
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The science of nutrition and healthy eating
Learn more to access more details of The science of nutrition and healthy eatingThis free course, The science of nutrition and healthy eating, looks at the science behind nutrition, covering aspects of biology, chemistry and physics as well as giving some insight into healthier eating. Reading food labels, choosing healthier foods, hydrating appropriately and understanding how we taste food will allow you to be more ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Astronomy with an online telescope
Learn more to access more details of Astronomy with an online telescopeThis free course shows you how to navigate the night sky, and introduces the wide variety of objects it contains. You will develop a hands-on understanding of telescopic observations using the Open University’s own robotic telescope facility COAST sited on the island of Tenerife. Supported by your own measurements we illustrate how stars...
Level: 1 Introductory
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The science of alcohol
Learn more to access more details of The science of alcoholAlcohol plays a considerable part in the daily lives of humanity and has done for thousands of years. This free course, The science of alcohol, looks at the science behind the processes of brewing, distilling and vinification, and how many of our beverages are made. A historical aspect is also covered showing how the modern production techniques...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding antibiotic resistance
Learn more to access more details of Understanding antibiotic resistanceAntibiotic resistance is a serious threat, compromising our ability to treat infections and increasing the risk of routine surgery. Resistant infections are increasing due to overuse of antibiotics and this has resulted in the emergence of 'superbugs' (bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics). This free course, Understanding antibiotic ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding autism
Learn more to access more details of Understanding autismLearn about autism, one of the most challenging long-term conditions of the century. This free course, Understanding autism, introduces the autism spectrum, how it is experienced by individuals and families, and why it has become a global concern. The course explains how understanding of the autism spectrum and approaches to diagnosis and care ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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