Dick Vet to run three MOOCs in 2014

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In July 2012 the University of Edinburgh joined the Coursera consortium, becoming one of its first partners outside North America. Coursera offers short online courses, called Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs. They are presented by top universities and in an increasing range of subjects, all entirely free of charge.

The Dick Vet was one of the first schools within the University to offer a MOOC, with the hugely successful Equine Nutrition MOOC running in January 2013 and attracting over 24,000 learners from across the world. Such was the success and demand that the MOOC will run again in 2014, starting on 27th January.

Equine Nutrition MOOC attracts learners

Participants from across the globe took part in the first Equine MOOC and studied topics including anatomy, physiology of the equine digestive tract and equine nutrient sources.

The course also includes modules on dietary management for different kinds of horses and ponies, particularly those with nutrition-related disorders. There are lecture videos and quizzes to work though each week and an opportunity for participants to share their thoughts and ideas with others on the course.

Assessment takes place at the end of the course with a series of multiple choice questions.

We were delighted with the response to the first course and hope that many more people will sign up this time round. If anyone wants to take part, all they need is internet access and a keen interest in equine nutrition.

Dr Jo-Anne Murray

New MOOCs offer further free learning opportunities

In 2014, along with the repeating Equine Nutrition MOOC, the School is launching two new MOOCs in becoming a veterinarian and animal welfare.

Our first new MOOC will run in May 2014 and is for anyone interested in learning more about Veterinary Medicine, giving a “taster” of courses covered in the first year of a veterinary degree and an idea of what it is like to study Veterinary Medicine. This will be an invaluable resource for anyone who is interested in studying Veterinary Medicine or considering it as a possible career.

The new Animal Welfare MOOC will run from July 2014 and learners will look at animal welfare and why it matters. Learners will develop an understanding of some of the main welfare issues that animals have to cope with, as well as gaining an insight into the behavioural needs and the emotions of dogs, cats, farmed animals and captive wildlife.

The Coursera Partnership

These Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are being delivered via the Coursera partnership - a network of leading international universities which offer short undergraduate-level online courses free of charge.

If you are interested in the School's MOOCs, more information can be found on the Coursera website where you can also sign up for the courses.