From Ebola to Shakespeare, fracking to filmmaking: 8 new free online courses announced
Eight brand new free online courses are now live on FutureLearn and ready for you to join. They include two on the current Ebola outbreak, and the first ever courses from some of our newest partners.
Ebola in Context: Understanding Transmission, Response and Control
Designed primarily for healthcare professionals, this London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine course looks at the science behind the current Ebola outbreak.
The two week course will be taught by experts from a range of disciplines, with contributors including Professor Peter Piot, co-discoverer of the Ebola virus, and Professor David Heymann, Chair of Public Health England.
Join the course now – it starts 19 January.
Ebola: Symptoms, History and Origins
Designed for anyone with an interest in science or medicine, this Lancaster University course will help you go behind the headlines on Ebola.
Over two weeks, you’ll learn more about the virus that causes Ebola; the symptoms of the disease; where the current outbreak came from; and what can be done to stop its spread and treat those infected.
Join the course now – it starts 2 February.
Explore Filmmaking: from Script to Screen
Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or simply a movie fan, this course from the National Film and Television School and BFI Film Academy will have something for you.
Over six weeks, award-winning filmmakers will discuss their approach to telling stories and demystify their own specialisms – from writing and directing to cinematography, editing and composing.
Join the course now – it starts 2 February.
Shale Gas and Fracking: the Politics and Science
Hear from all sides of the fracking debate with this University of Nottingham course.
Over four weeks, you’ll learn what shale gas is; the effects it can have on both local communities and global energy markets; and why it divides opinion so much.
Join the course now – it starts 2 February.
Our Hungry Planet: Agriculture, People and Food Security
Consider how the food we grow, buy, eat and throw away relates to the global issue of food security, with this University of Reading course.
Over six weeks, you’ll meet food producers around the world, and think about your own role in food security, keeping a food waste diary and analysing your weekly shop.
Join the course now – it starts 9 February.
Caring for Vulnerable Children
Understand some of the approaches involved in caring for vulnerable children, with this six week course from the University of Strathclyde.
It may help you explore or extend a career in child care or social work services, and consider the role you play in responding to and caring for the young people you encounter in your life.
Join the course now – it starts 23 February.
Much Ado about Nothing: in Performance
Explore how Shakespeare’s “Much Ado about Nothing” is performed and interpreted – from original stagings to the modern day – with this course from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), the University of Birmingham’s Shakespeare Institute and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The four week course will act as an excellent accompaniment to the RSC’s current production of the play, as well as a useful study or revision guide for 16-19 year olds.
Join the course now – it starts 2 March.
Antimicrobial Stewardship: Managing Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is as big a risk to society as climate change and terrorism, according to the World Economic Forum.
Understand what it is, and how we can combat it through infection control and antimicrobial stewardship, with this eight week course from the University of Dundee.
Join the course now – it starts in late 2015.
Returning courses
Finally, five popular courses will run again in February and March 2015, covering a wide variety of subjects:
- Academic Integrity: Values, Skills, Action
- The Secret Power of Brands
- Muslims in Britain: Changes and Challenges
- How to Succeed at: Writing Applications
- How to Succeed at: Interviews
To find out more about what we have coming up, you can view all courses by category or register to receive updates by email.
