UBC to offer free noncredit courses online through Coursera

by Stephen Hui on September 19th, 2012 at 10:07 AM

1 of 1 2 of 1

The University of British Columbia plans to offer noncredit courses free of charge over the Internet.

Through a partnership with the U.S.-based company Coursera, UBC will pilot three courses taught by its faculty and researchers starting in spring 2013.

The courses are “Useful Genetics”, “Computer Science Problem Design”, and “Climate Literacy: Navigating Climate Conversations”.

Courses on the Coursera platform involve videos, voice-over PowerPoint presentations, discussion forums, interactive activities, quizzes, and assignments, according to a UBC news release issued today (September 19).

"Instructors will determine the duration and content of their courses, which are expected to range from eight to 10 weeks. UBC’s pilot courses are non-degree, non credit; UBC students will not be able to substitute a Coursera course as part of their for-credit curriculum," the release notes.

Coursera was founded by Stanford University computer-science professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng.

UBC is one of 33 universities that have partnered with Coursera.