Discovering Science

Offered By: University of Leeds via FutureLearn

Course Description

Overview

The Discovering Science program consists of five short online chemistry courses. Each course looks at how chemistry plays an important role in our everyday lives, by exploring topics such as advances in modern medicine, food, climate, and household products.

Through case studies and discussions, explore how research is responsible for significant scientific developments. Take a look at science in action, and find out more about what the future holds for scientific discoveries.

Each course includes exercises for you to complete which will allow you to practice your science writing skills for blog posts, press releases, interview questions, and video scripts.

Accessible for free on desktop, tablet or mobile, the five courses can be taken in any order. However, it is recommended that you join the Discovering Science: Science Writing course first, as this will help you make the most of the science writing activities in each of the topic courses. The science writing course will be open throughout the program so you can join it at any time.

This program provides a flexible way to enhance your understanding of chemistry principles, whilst continuing your professional development (CPD).

Syllabus

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Discovering Science: Medicinal Chemistry
-What role does chemistry play in healthcare and our ability to diagnose and treat patients?

Course 2: Discovering Science: Global Challenges
-Can chemistry help to feed a growing population, or overcome increasing bacterial resistance?

Course 3: Discovering Science: Chemical Products
-With chemistry providing us an endless amount of possibilities, what would you choose to develop?

Course 4: Discovering Science: Atmospheric Chemistry
-What can we learn about Earth, and other planets in and beyond our solar system, by studying their atmospheres?

Course 5: Discovering Science: Science Writing
-What science discoveries will you choose to write about?

Courses

12 reviews
2 weeks, 5 hours a week, 5 hours a week
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Discover how chemotherapy has evolved, and some of the breakthroughs and developments chemists have made in the fight against cancer over the last 10 years.

Diagnostic imaging examines how scientists learn about, and treat, the inside of the body without invasive surgery. You’ll explore how modern imaging techniques diagnose problems quickly and safely, and how diseases which may not previously have been picked up are identified.

Intrigued? Then sign up for this short course to find out more.

The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in chemistry; no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you are working in the field of science and would like to practice and improve your science writing skills, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. If you intend to complete the Discovering Science collection of online courses, it is recommended that you complete Discovering Science: Science Writing before starting this course, however, this course can still be studied independently.
2 reviews
2 weeks, 5 hours a week, 5 hours a week
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Find out how the Penicillin class of antibiotics has been a major breakthrough in the treatment of patients. However, with bacteria developing efficient ways of resisting antibiotic treatment, discover how scientists are treating patients with infections resulting from resistant bacteria.

The world’s population is approaching eight billion people, putting increasing strain on our ability to feed everybody. Explore the strategies currently being developed, and the role that chemistry plays in finding solutions to food security.

The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in chemistry; no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you are working in the field of science and would like to practice and improve your science writing skills, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time.

If you intend to complete the Discovering Science collection of online courses, it is recommended that you complete Discovering Science: Science Writing before starting this course, however, this course can still be studied independently.
6 reviews
2 weeks, 5 hours a week, 5 hours a week
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For centuries natural materials have been used by people to meet their daily needs. Discover how scientists are using their knowledge of the molecular structure of naturally occurring compounds to develop new and exciting materials. From clothing to tooth enamel, the possibilities are endless. You’ll also consider the chemistry behind the development of everyday consumer, and consider the ethics behind the products you use.

The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in chemistry; no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you are working in the field of science and would like to practice and improve your science writing skills, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time.

If you intend to complete the Discovering Science collection of online courses, it is recommended that you complete Discovering Science: Science Writing before starting this course, however, this course can still be studied independently.
7 reviews
2 weeks, 5 hours a week, 5 hours a week
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Why join the course?

Learn about the role that radiation and greenhouse gases play in our understanding of atmospheric chemistry. As levels of CO2 in the atmosphere increase, you will discover the solutions scientists are exploring to reduce levels. And, discover how missions to other planets and moons in our solar system are revealing extraordinarily diverse atmospheres. Explore how an exponential increase in the discovery of new exoplanets is helping us learn about the evolution of our own atmosphere.

The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in chemistry; no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you are working in the field of science and would like to practice and improve your science writing skills, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time.

If you intend to complete the Discovering Science collection of online courses, it is recommended that you complete Discovering Science: Science Writing before starting this course, however, this course can still be studied independently.
28 reviews
2 weeks, 5 hours a week, 5 hours a week
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Without science writing, science could not really exist. By recording experiments and publishing the results of studies and discoveries, scientists can share their important work, and find an engaged audience.

Science writing takes many forms: from press releases to video scripts. You’ll learn about different types of science writing, and look at the factors which you need to consider to write a story.

You’ll discover how to gather accurate information and relevant opinions as well as tips on how to conduct a successful interview.

The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in science; no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you are working in the field of science and would like to practice and improve your science writing skills, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 10 hours of CPD time.

Taught by

Paul Taylor