Discover graphene with University online course

The University of Manchester is launching an online course to explore the vast potential of one-atom-thick material graphene.

The Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) are aimed at bringing The University of Manchester's teaching to a global audience, as all is required of potential students is an internet connection.

At the end of the eight-week course, students will receive a Statement of Accomplishment and a thorough understanding of graphene and related two-dimensional materials.

Graphene has the potential to revolutionise the materials world, and participants will learn about a number of key application areas that graphene could influence.

These include biomedical applications, where graphene could be used in wound healing and drug delivery, energy devices such as the next generation of batteries and supercapacitors that deliver a short, sharp burst of energy, and sensors capable of detecting tiny amounts of chemical hazards in the atmosphere.

Taught in English, the course requires between one and three hours a week of study, and will run for eight weeks beginning on February 1st. Learning is carried out through videos, discussions, quizzes, and reading and research activities.

Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan, who teaches the course, said: "The graphene and 2D material MOOC is a great way for people to find out more about this remarkable material.

"The course is offered in such a way that it is suitable for anyone to do, and it should be a lot of fun as well as very informative."

Dr Ian Hutt, the University's MOOCs Manager, said: "The Graphene MOOC is a great opportunity for The University of Manchester to share some insights into our world-leading research in this area and create an open learning experience that anyone can enjoy."

Graphene was isolated at The University of Manchester in 2004, earning Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics. The £61m National Graphene Institute opened at the University in March.

To sign up for the graphene MOOC, please visit the Coursera website at www.coursera.org/course/graphene. Full details of how to apply are provided.

The University has nine MOOCs on a range of subject areas. To see the full list, and for more details, visit - www.coursera.org/manchester.

Provided by University of Manchester