FutureLearn
11 weeks long, 4 hours a week
Paid Course
The Understanding the Body program consists of three short online courses that look at the workings of the human body. The program focuses on the different structures, components and systems that work together to keep us alive and healthy.
Accessible for free on desktop, tablet or mobile, the three courses can be taken in any order, although it’s recommended that you start with the What is the Body? course.
Course 2: What Drives the Body?
-Discover the crucial components and systems in the human body that keep us alive and healthy.
Course 3: How Does the Body Use DNA as a Blueprint?
-How does DNA work? Gain a fascinating introduction to the basics of molecular biology and how DNA code actually works.
How does the body work? What is it made of? What are the different parts of the human body and what are their functions?
From cells to organ systems, this course will introduce you to the basic components that make up the human body.
You’ll discover what molecular structures are, and classify different types within the body.
As you learn more about cell structure, you’ll find out about human tissue and its function, and explore the different organs systems within the body and what they do.
You’ll also gain basic physiological knowledge and learn how your body works, and how to influence it.
This course is aimed at anyone interested in what the body is made up of. No existing knowledge of biology or chemistry is required.
The way in which parts of the body communicate with each other is vital to keeping us healthy. But how does our internal communication work – and how do these individual components produce energy?
On this course, from the University of Aberdeen, you’ll learn how the human body utilises energy pathways, and how different elements communicate effectively. You’ll find out about the biomolecules involved in communication, and the role of endocrinology and immunology.
You’ll discover how the body works and regulates itself, and also improve your knowledge of disease development and prevention.
This course is aimed at anyone who is interested in how the human body regulates and communicates with itself.
Existing knowledge of components of the body is not essential but some prior knowledge of biology might be helpful.
Every part of the body is made according to a code that is carried in the body’s cells. This code is called DNA, and knowing how it works is fundamental to understanding the human body.
On this course, you’ll get an introduction to the basics of molecular biology, answer the question ‘what is DNA?’ and learn how DNA structure works inside the human body.
You’ll find out what DNA code represents, how it creates proteins inside the body, and what key molecules are involved. You’ll also learn how these molecules communicate and interact with each other inside the body.
This course is aimed at anyone interested in molecular biology and how DNA code works.
Existing knowledge of components of the body is not essential but you may find it useful to complete What is the Body? if you are completely new to biology.
