Online On-Demand Courses
Online on-demand courses, also known as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), are engaging courses that you can take at any time.
The University of Alberta has partnered with Coursera to develop on-demand rigorous versions of these courses to the general public as well as for-credit for U of A students and potentially for other students in other institutions.
On-Demand Courses & Alberta Curriculum Alignment
The U of A is proud to offer free open online courses to the community. At home or on the go, these courses are a great resource for keeping ourselves and our families learning and having fun.
See how our on-demand align with the Alberta curriculum »
Arctic: Peoples and Cultures
Arctic: Peoples and Cultures is a 5-hour course created through a unique partnership between University of Alberta, UArctic, and UiT Arctic University of Norway. Learners will get to know the people living in the Arctic, and gain understanding of what the Arctic means to thousands of individuals.
Arctic: Development
Arctic: Development is a 4-week course created through a unique partnership between the University of Alberta and UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Learners will explore the problems and opportunities facing northern communities and how these affect regional development in a changing Arctic.
Arctic: Economy
Arctic: Economy is a 3-week course created through a unique partnership between the University of Alberta and UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Learners will investigate the economic challenges faced by Indigenous, North American, Russian and Nordic Arctic communities in a modern world.
21st Century Energy Transition
The climate crisis, and the transition to energy sources with fewer negative effects on the environment will be one of the defining global challenges of our time. In this short, 6-module course, we will be asking the tough questions for the road ahead in the 21st century energy transition.
Astro 101: Black Holes
Astro 101: Black Holes is a 10-lesson course exploring the basic scientific concepts behind black holes.
Using the theme of black holes, you will learn the basic ideas of astronomy, relativity, and quantum physics.
Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures
Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures is a four-module, on-demand micro-course tackling anti-Black racism in Canada.
This micro-course explores some of the major histories, migrations, artists and activists that have contributed to the presence and survival of Black people in Canada.
Bugs 101
Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions is a 12-lesson course exploring the biology, diversity, and ecology of insects and their roles in human society.
Students will examine the importance of insects in various processes that affect humans.
Dino 101
Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology is a 12-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of non-avian dinosaurs.
This course will explore everything from origins to extinction.
Students can expect to engage with the scientific method through learning about the world of dinosaurs.
Indigenous Canada
Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson course explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.
From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.
Introduction to the Arctic: Climate
Introduction to the Arctic: Climate is a 4-lesson course created through an international collaboration.
Students explore the regional geography, climate, and ecosystems and this region's connection to the rest of our planet.
Mountains 101
Mountains 101 is a 12-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of mountains and their environmental and human impact.
This course is an introduction to mountain environments, peoples and contemporary issues through interdisciplinary study.
Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles
Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles is a 4-lesson course exploring evolutionary changes occurring when air-breathing terrestrial animals return to water.
This course examines the diversity, adaptations, convergence, and phylogenetic relationships of extinct marine reptiles.
Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution
Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution is a 4-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates.
This course examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. Students also explore key Canadian fossil localities.
Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds
Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds is a 5-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of the origins of birds.
This course examines the anatomy, diversity, and evolution of theropod dinosaurs in relation to the origin of birds.
Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games
Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games is a 12-lesson introduction to computer science and programming in Python.
This course explores key computer science concepts such as problem solving (computational thinking), problem decomposition, algorithms, abstraction, and software quality.
Reinforcement Learning
Reinforcement Learning consists of 4 courses (17 modules) exploring the power of adaptive learning systems and artificial intelligence (AI).
You will learn about the foundations of modern probabilistic AI and be prepared to apply AI tools and ideas to real-world problems.
Science Literacy
Science Literacy is a 4-lesson course designed for students and anyone interested in understanding science better.
How do we tell the difference between sensationalized statistics and a real scientific study? Learn how to spot sound science with our online course in Science Literacy
Software Design & Architecture
Software Design and Architecture Specialization is a 4-course specialization designed for students and professionals alike.
Think like an expert architect and create quality software using design patterns and principles. Learn how to apply design principles, patterns, and architectures to create reusable, flexible and maintainable applications, as well as the expression and documentation of systems using a visual notation.
Software Product Management - Specialization
Software Product Management (SPM) is a 6-course specialization in mastering Agile software development practices to confidently interact with clients and work with a development team.
The focus for the specialization is to meet client needs by examining scenarios inspired by real-world industry challenges, aligning learning with practice.
Understanding Video Games
Understanding Video Games is an 11-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of analytical theory pertaining to video game media.
In this course, students will learn how to study games and engage in informed discussions about them. Ultimately, this course is about understanding the literacy of video games.