Online courses directory (190)

This course will take students on an extraordinary journey – the beginning of a massive transformation of humankind. Nothing remotely like this had ever happened in the billions of years of evolution on Earth. It was enabled by technology, but many other factors were part of its driving force.

It is over sixty years since the structure of DNA was first discovered by Watson and Crick. Since then work in genetics and gene technology has expanded to the point where the entire human genome has been sequenced, and there is now hope of being able to cure diseases using gene therapy. There is also on-going work in the area of modifying plant DNA to produce pest-resistant crops that give bigger harvests for more food. Today, people need a thorough knowledge and understanding of genetics and gene therapy so that they can make up their own minds as to the potential benefits and drawbacks of what this field of science can offer us. In this free online course you will discover what genes do and explore and come to understand reference terms such as meiosis and mitosis. The course also covers evolutionary aspects of DNA and the genome. You will also learn about gene technology which includes gene testing, gene therapy and the controversial area of genetic modification in plants. This course will be of great interest to professionals working in the areas of biology, medicine and development, to learners who would like a career in the areas of genetics and gene technology, and to anyone interested in understanding the basic area of science that underpins all living existence.<br />

Integrative Biology 131: General Human Anatomy. Fall 2005. Professor Marian Diamond. The functional anatomy of the human

This free online course in our Biology suite examines natural selection, patterns of evolution and molecular biology. It also explores DNA, protein synthesis and mutations and gene mapping. It is a practical guide for those working in life sciences who want to refresh their knowledge of biology or for any student of biology studying the subject at second level.

Get a basic overview of microbiology before exploring advanced topics like bacterial cell morphology, nitrogen fixation and protozoan diseases through this online Education Portal course, Biology 103: Microbiology. Watch our video lessons on STDs, bacterial diseases and foodborne illnesses as you prepare to earn real college credit through the Microbiology Excelsior Exam . Though the subjects covered in these lessons are somewhat intense, our experienced, knowledgeable instructors have kept the videos brief, engaging and easy to follow. You also can benefit from the multiple-choice quizzes and written transcripts that complement each video.

This course provides a thorough introduction to the principles and methods of physics for students who have good prepara

Evolution and natural selection are very important concepts that have revolutionised our understanding of biology. Natural selection is a process resulting in the evolution of organisms that are best adapted to their environment, usually occurring over thousands, and even millions of years. In this free online biology course you will be introduced to the concepts of evolution and natural selection, the causes of these fundamental biological processes and how the success of a species can depend on changes to just one allele on one gene in one chromosome. You will study the naturally occurring variation within species and how mutations and reproduction continues this process. You will also be introduced to DNA, the blueprint of life forms on earth, by looking both at its physical structure and how it copies itself, and turns into the proteins that make up all living organisms. This free online biology course will be of great interest to all learners who wish to pursue a career in the sciences and medicine, to learners who are already studying subjects such as biology, biodiversity and biochemistry, and the individual who simply wants to learn more about how and why there is such diversity among plants and animals today.<br />

<p>This online course - HIV/AIDS - Awareness &amp; Prevention - uses a straightforward style to deliver a clear and effective basic AIDS awareness education program. </p> <br /> <p>It covers basic information about HIV/AIDS, from having a HIV test to living with HIV or AIDS. </p> <br /> <p>Being aware of this disease is the first step in taking action. </p>

Introduction to Biology is a free introductory course on the science of the living world. These lessons teach learners of all ages about organisms, cells, nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals) and the process of digestion. This free online course is an ideal study-aid and complement to classes for second level students and is valuable to parents who wish to help their children with their studies.

The human cardiovascular system is made up of the heart, blood vessels and blood supply. These act as one system to supply vital oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to tissues and remove carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products. This system also plays a central role in stabilizing body temperature and pH levels, as well as maintaining homeostasis. In this free online cardiovascular anatomy and physiology course, the learner will explore the structure and functions of the cardiovascular system. The course explains the composition of blood and provides an overview of how blood is used for transport and energy mobilization. It also outlines how the blood responds to haemorrhage and is involved in maintaining the correct body temperature. The course then examines blood vessels, explaining the function and location of arteries, veins and capillaries. Finally, it covers the anatomy of the heart, describing the structure of the chambers of the heart, the cardiac valves and the heart walls. It also describes the pericardium, the NAVL and the fibrous skeleton of the heart. This free online cardiovascular anatomy and physiology course will be of great interest to professionals in the health care sector who would like a greater knowledge and understanding of the human cardiovascular system. Students of medicine and biology who would like to study the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels and blood supply, which make up this very important anatomical system, will also find this course of great help.<br />

This comprehensive biology course introduces a broad range of biology subjects including molecular biology, gene, cell biology, organic and inorganic compounds, experimental methods and designs, regulatory mechanisms in plants and animals, pathogens and parasites and more. This free online course builds on our Introductory Biology course. It is particularly suitable for any student of biology at second level, or anyone who wants to gain more knowledge and understanding of the biological world around us.

Alcohol is enjoyed by many people during social occasions, but for others addiction to alcohol or alcohol-related illnesses can be a serious health issue. This free online course begins by reviewing the biological effects of alcohol on the body, including hangovers, psychological, and physical disturbances. The course also looks at the effects of chronic alcoholism such as liver damage or fetal alcohol syndrome. Finally, the course reviews some of the treatments for alcohol-related illnesses. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about the effects alcohol can have on their health, or for learners already working in the areas of health promotion or health awareness who want to further their knowledge and understanding of the health effects of excess alcohol consumption.

The human body cannot generate energy itself and so must obtain it from external sources. Energy from the sun is captured by plants, which in turn are eaten by animals. We humans use these plants and animals as food sources but, in order to obtain the energy we require from them, our food must be broken down into smaller molecules that the body can process. This is accomplished by a complex series of organs known as the digestive system. This free online human physiology course provides a clear introduction to the human digestive system. In this course you will learn how energy is obtained from food and be introduced to the different food types and vitamins. The course looks at the stages involved in ingestion and swallowing, describing how the stomach is designed for food storage and the initial processing of food. How the small and large intestines are structured to facilitate the digestion and absorption of nutrients is also examined. The course also provides an overview of the elimination of the waste products of digestion from the body. It outlines the special roles played by the liver and pancreas in the secretion of digestive enzymes. The mechanisms used by the digestive system to protect the body from infection are covered. This includes looking at the tonsils and other lymphoid tissue in the small and large intestine and explaining how the mammary gland protects the breastfeeding baby from infection. This free online human physiology course will be of great interest to healthcare professionals who would like a greater understanding of the human digestive system and its importance in human physiology, and to students of biology, medicine and nursing who would like to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human digestive system. <br />

Biology 101: Intro to Biology is designed to be used to prepare you to earn real college credit by passing the Biology CLEP exam . This course covers topics that are included on the exam, such as genetics, physiology, plant and animal biology, ecology and evolution. Use it to help you learn what you need to know about biology topics to succeed on the exam.

The biology instructors are experienced and knowledgeable educators who have put together comprehensive video lessons in categories ranging from Mendel's first law to the anatomy of the brain. Each category is broken down into smaller chapters that will cover topics more in-depth. These video lessons make learning fun and interesting. You get the aid of self-graded quizzes and practice tests to allow you to gauge how much you have learned.

This free online course in Chemistry looks at elements, electrochemistry and food chemistry among other topics. It is an ideal course to engage students and help them grapple with the subject matter in an interactive and self-paced manner. It is particularly suitable for any student of chemistry at second level, or anyone who wants to gain more knowledge and understanding of the world of chemistry.

Introduction to Oceanography is a class that provides a general introduction to geological, physical, chemical, and biol

This free online diploma course is ideal for professionals working in the area of environmental science, for students who wish to pursue a career in environmental science, or for those who simply want to learn more about building a sustainable existence on this planet.<br /><br />Environmental science is the field of science that studies physical, chemical and biological aspects of the environment and determines solutions to environmental problems.<br /><br />Gain thorough knowledge and understanding of environmental science such as understanding the earth's processes, evaluating alternative energy systems, pollution control and mitigation, natural resource management, the importance of global water supplies, and the effects of climate change.<br />

This Physical Education (PE or Phys Ed) course offers a comprehensive introduction to the topic and investigates the basics: from muscle response to the physiology, biology, and the science of sports. It covers the scientific basis of fitness and concludes with training principals and methods. It is an ideal course for those studying for a qualification in health or fitness or for sports enthusiasts. It is also an excellent resource for trainers or managers in fitness, health or sports related activities. <br />

<p>This free online course offers a simple introduction to basic chemistry and is ideal as a study aid for secondary school students or anyone interested in learning the basics of chemistry. </p><br /> <p>Topics covered include the periodic table, atoms and molecules, the pH scale and experimental design and techniques. </p>

Get a basic overview of microbiology before exploring advanced topics like bacterial cell morphology, nitrogen fixation and protozoan diseases through this online Education Portal course, Biology 103: Microbiology. Watch our video lessons on STDs, bacterial diseases and foodborne illnesses as you prepare to earn real college credit through the Microbiology Excelsior Exam . Though the subjects covered in these lessons are somewhat intense, our experienced, knowledgeable instructors have kept the videos brief, engaging and easy to follow. You also can benefit from the multiple-choice quizzes and written transcripts that complement each video.