Learning about design and technology

Learning about design and technology:  It is not true – there is such a thing as a free course!

Design and technology are increasingly ubiquitous concepts.  This is reflected in several recently launched free OpenLearn Courses in areas relevant to engineering, software and industrial design. ——-Find out more

TT284 An introduction to web applications architecture
An introduction to web applications architecture, provides an overview of the design and implementation of computer software that runs on web servers, instead of those running solely on desktop computers, laptops or mobile devices.

TM354_1 Approaches to software development
This presents an engineering approach to the development of software systems – a software engineering approach. The course pays particular attention to issues of software quality, in terms of both product (what is built) and process (how we build it).

T212_1 An introduction to electronics
Using an interactive website, videos, and easy-to-use electronic circuit design and simulation software, this course will show how electronic devices and systems pervade everything we do, and teach some of the basic ideas.

RENBOC_1 Can renewable energy sources power the world?
This course begins by examining the environmental concerns that have caused a rise in interest in renewable energy, introducing the main sources and technologies, and describing global efforts to increase the share of renewables. The course then looks at each of the principal renewable energy technologies and the contributions they might make to global energy demand. Finally, several future energy scenarios are analysed to show how combinations of renewable energy sources and technologies could provide a major share of global energy needs.

OUFL_18 The science of nuclear energy
This course delves into the science behind nuclear power and explain what happens inside a nuclear reactor and what it means for an element to be radioactive. It will explore some of the risks of producing nuclear power and examine the arguments for and against it including in future energy planning as well as looking at other potential future solutions.

These new courses help us to develop a wider understanding of design and technology, opening our minds to creative new ways of thinking about our work.