Free online courses by Harvard University

Harvard University is the oldest university of the United States. It was established in 1636 and since then, has been providing world-class education to its students, always working with a motive of spreading awareness of education throughout the world. The excellence of the university in teaching, learning and research is well known. Moreover, unlike some older universities, it has always been trying to make regular changes in its overall teaching and learning style so as to keep up with the requirements of modern era.

But surely, it is not possible for everyone to pursue a higher education from Harvard University. However, there is a way to get yourself a taste of the education by Harvard University, for free of cost. Yes, you can enroll yourself in the university’s free online courses and get yourself even a certificate for the same. However, in order to get the certificate, you may need to may some small fee.

We discuss some of the most interesting and engaging free online courses available at Harvard University. Find out one that meets your learning needs or interests.

1. Bioethics

The subject deals with the law, medicine and ethics of technology related to reproduction and genetics. This free online course provides introduction to bioethics in addition to the application of moral and ethical reasoning. Topics such as surrogacy and sperm donation are discussed. The ethical issues and legal implications of various reproductive scenarios are taught in detail. Also, emotional aspect of reproductive problems at the most personal level are also included to be discussed.

2. Hinduism Through Its Scriptures

This online course includes studying Hindu scriptures, texts, hymns and interpreting them. In this online course, focus is laid on the scriptures that have been in existence since millennia, and what lessons these have to offer to the 21st century people. The bhagvat geeta has become the base of many modern philosophies. So, this course lays emphasis on various similar hindu texts and their modern interpretations.

1. Introduction to Bioconductor:

This course includes the annotation, structure, normalization, and interpretation of genome scale assays. First of all, the basics of biology are discussed. Then they move on to next generation sequencing and micro arrays. After that, it is taught how to organize and use the data which is in its raw form. Identification of genomic features is done by using intervals in genomic coordinates. The algorithms for computing are them examined in detail. Since this course is a combination of statistical tools and biology, students of both streams opt for this course. But the initial lectures of biology can be left out by biology students, and the same goes for statistics students in case of beginner’s statistics classes.

4. Humanitarian Response to Conflict & Disaster

This course lays focus on dealing with emergencies in the field. A complete teaching is done regarding coping with disasters and similar emergencies in the humanitarian field. Focus is laid on their identification and analysis, along with keeping a view of historical and legal aspects of the same. The case studies of Goma (Zaire), Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Pakistan are important part of the syllabi. The faculty aims to provide complete view of the crisis in these areas to the students.

5. Introduction to Data Wise

Teaching is a great responsibility. One of the major issues faced during teaching is that there is unlimited data available to teach from. In this course, one learns how to sort out necessary parts out of this data. This course is mainly a 8-step course and the people pursuing this course learn exactly what goes on in the setting of the school laying special emphasis on teamwork and collaborating with colleagues.

Learning is a continuous process and always benefits us all. Make it work with these free college courses online.