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Science, Maths & Technology
Foundation Degree in Computing and IT Practice
This foundation degree is about acquiring skills and learning how to deploy them at work. Whether you want to gain confidence using and managing IT, grasp new opportunities or develop software solutions, there's a study route for you. The modern world depends on computers and IT systems to function. Gain the skills to work with them and you'll open up a variety of careers and opportunities.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT Practice
The modern world depends on computers and IT systems to function. Gain the skills to work with them, and you'll open up a huge variety of careers and other opportunities ? from controlling processes to interfacing with customers and suppliers. This diploma is about acquiring skills and learning how to deploy them at work. Whether you want to gain confidence using and managing IT, grasp new opportunities or develop software solutions, there's a study route for you.
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications
Engineering is at the heart of modern life. Today engineers use computers and software in the design and manufacture of most of the products, processes and systems that make up our lifestyles. This module introduces the finite element method and instils the need for comprehensive evaluation and checking when interpreting results. It covers basic theory; modelling, meshing and analysing component models for stresses, deflections, temperatures and vibrations under operating conditions and loads; treatment of boundary conditions and restraints; and examples of good practice for safe and effective application in use.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Algorithms, data structures and computability
The aim of this module is to help you become a computational thinker. Formulating a problem for efficient solution by computers is an extremely important skill. In this module, you will hone this skill: exploring a range of computing concepts; applying these to a variety of problems; and, in the process, becoming familiar with the popular Python programming language. This is the module for you if you are specialising in computing or if ? whatever your field ? you need to understand both the power and the limitations of computing. Though the focus is on the underlying ideas, you will also need to work with some mathematical concepts and notation.
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Level
Education & Development
Developing statistical thinking
This module will help you develop your knowledge, appreciation and understanding of the learning of statistics particularly at Key Stages 2 to 4. As well as improving your statistical thinking, you'll learn about different teaching approaches, including use of ICT tools such as scientific calculators and computers. There is no formal examination: assessment is based on tutor-marked assignments and an end-of-module assessment. To complete the module assessment, you'll need to work with a learner or learners who will be pleasantly challenged by secondary school-level mathematics.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics
is designed to be studied as your first applied mathematics module at OU level 3. It introduces core topics in applied mathematics at this level and is structured around three books: ; ; and . The module will use the Maxima computer algebra system to illustrate how computers are used to explore properties of dynamical systems. To study this module, you should have a good prior knowledge of the subject area, including differential equations, and some knowledge of mechanics, as provided by the appropriate OU level 2 study.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Introducing computing and IT
This free course, Introducing computing and IT, provides a general overview of how digital technologies have come to dominate virtually every aspect of the modern world and some guidance on how to prepare for this digital life. It raises awareness of the importance of data security and online safety. It also provides an explanation of the internal structure and workings of a typical computer and describes hard and solid state drives in some detail.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Crossing the boundary - analogue universe, digital worlds
How does the computer's peculiar binary world of digital entities differ from our analogue world of colour, sound, taste and touch? This free course, Crossing the boundary analogue universe, digital worlds, explores the way in which information, in the form of text, still and moving images, and sound can cross the boundary from the analogue universe into a digital world.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Ada Lovelace Day
Marking the day celebrating Ada Lovelace, discover the intriguing story of her life, Charles Babbage, and their role in the 19th century development of the computer.
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Science, Maths & Technology
Computers and computer systems
Computers and processors are ubiquitous in everyday life, and they're not only found in your PC. This free course, Computers and computer systems, introduces the different parts of a computer system and their use of binary code. Using the examples of kitchen scales, a digital camera and a computer artwork the course, with the help of flowcharts, discusses how computers process data and instructions. THIS COURSE WAS UPDATED ON 20/7/2018.
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Science, Maths & Technology
How you can be more secure than the President
To keep your digital world protected, you don't need to build a border wall - just follow some good security housekeeping advice
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Science, Maths & Technology
Machines, minds and computers
Computers are becoming smarter and may soon become intelligent. This free course, Machines, minds and computers, looks at what intelligence is, how computers may become so, and whether they ever will really be intelligent. It is aimed at people interested in understanding what intelligence and thinking really are, and who want to understand the underpinnings of our ideas about them.