101 Free Open Course Classes to Learn How to Build ANYTHING

By Sarah Russel

Open courseware classes offer an academic opportunity to anyone with a computer and the motivation to learn. Maybe literature or history isn’t your thing, though, and you would prefer a more hands-on experience. These classes offer just that with instruction from some of the finest college professors teaching how to build anything from a space shuttle to ocean vehicles to robots to theater scenery.

Aerospace Engineering

If you aim for the sky and want to learn to build airplanes or spacecrafts, then these classes will teach you how it’s done.

1. Introduction to Aerospace Engineering and Design. Learn the basics for aerospace design and even build a remote-controlled Lighter Than Air craft. [MIT]
2. Unified Engineering I, II, III, & IV. This intensive class offers the basic building blocks for understanding aerospace engineering and includes plenty of videos. [MIT]
3. Cognitive Robotics. Learn to build "autonomous systems possessing artificial reasoning skills" such as the Mars Exploration Rover. [MIT]
4. Rocket Propulsion. Find out the basics for what makes a rocket lift off and keep going in this class. [MIT]
5. Space Propulsion. A follow-up class to Rocket Propulsion, Space Propulsion looks mostly at the physics and engineering of various engines. [MIT]
6. Experimental Projects I. The first of a two-part class, this course allows you to design a completely unique project. [MIT]
7. Experimental Projects II. The second part of this class focuses on building and testing the project designed in part one of the course. [MIT]
8. Prototyping Avionics. Learn to design, build, and debug printed-circuit-boards necessary for completion of aerospace projects. [MIT]
9. Engineering Design and Rapid Prototyping. Using rapid prototyping methods, students will design and implement their own creation. [MIT]
10. Space Systems Engineering. This three-semester course focuses on conceiving, designing, implementing and operating a space system. This particular course focuses on the "feasibility of an electromagnetically controlled array of formation flying satellites." [MIT]
11. Aircraft Systems Engineering. Learn how to build a space shuttle in this class that includes video lectures from guests as well as an opportunity to create new subsystem designs. [MIT]

Computer Electrical Engineering

Whether you want to learn hardware or software system design, these classes will have you on the right path.

12. Circuits and Electronics. This introductory class provides the basic knowledge off which all other computer electrical engineering classes grow and will allow the student to build basic circuits in class. [MIT]
13. Introduction to Electronics, Signals, and Measurement. Learn the basics of electronics with a special emphasis on signals and measurement in this class designed for those with little or no experience with electronics. [MIT]
14. Computation Structures. Recommended for anyone who wants to learn to design digital systems, this basic course has students designing the basics for both hardware and software.
15. Microelectronic Devices and Circuits. Learn analysis and design of microelectronic devices and circuits in this course. [MIT]
16. Structural devices. This class teaches all you may need to know about how micro and nano devices are etched and cut out of solid materials. [The Open University]
17. Computer System Engineering. Explore hardware and software system design through lectures, readings, and hands-on projects. [MIT]
18. Artificial Intelligence. Learn to develop intelligent systems through this class that teaches the basics. [MIT]
19. Introductory Analog Electronics Laboratory. Explore the "design, construction, and debugging of analog electronic circuits" in this hands-on lab where students work on several projects. [MIT]
20. Advanced Analog Integrated Circuits. Follow up the MIT class with this one from Berkeley to build on what you learned about analog integrated circuits. [UC Berkeley]
21. Introduction to Digital Integrated Circuits. Take this beginning course on digital integrated circuits to get a good foundation before moving to the advanced class. [UC Berkeley]
22. Advanced Digital Integrated Circuits. After taking the introductory class, expand your knowledge of digital integrated circuits with this class. [UC Berkeley]
23. Introductory Digital Systems Laboratory. Reportedly the most rigorous class at MIT, mastering the projects here will ensure you have a firm grasp on digital design. [MIT]
24. Laboratory in Software Engineering. Examine concepts and techniques to learn large-scale software system engineering. [MIT]
25. Autonomous Robot Design Competition. Learn to build an autonomous robot in this class that culminates in a competition between the robots that must not have any human intervention. [MIT]
26. Robocraft Programming Competition. Put your game strategy to work with software engineering in this competition to determine who builds the best program for Robocraft. [MIT]

Mechanical Engineering

From Lego robots to yachts, these classes will have you building a wide range of cool items.

27. Lego Robotics. Design, build, and program robots using Legos as well as additional parts to aid in functionality. [MIT]
28. Toy Product Design. Learn to design and prototype toys in the mechanical engineering class. [MIT]
29. Introduction to Robotics. Design and build your own robotic system in this class. [MIT]
30. People-centred designing. Explore the possibilities of designing products with the way humans will interact with them in hopes of improving the development of anything you may design. [The Open University]
31. Design Principles for Ocean Vehicles. Study the techniques for designing an ocean vehicle that can withstand the force and load inherent in its use. [MIT]
32. Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering: The Art and Science of Boat Design. This hands-on class teaches the aesthetics as well as the mechanics of designing a boat. [MIT]
33. Sailing Yacht Design. Use computer aided design (CAD) to design a working sailing yacht in this class. [MIT]
34. Offshore Moorings. Learn to design effective offshore moorings systems and be ready to put this knowledge to work with an offshore mooring design team. [Delft University of Technology]
35. Design of dredging equipment. Study how dredging equipment works in order to be able to design quality dredging equipment with the project in this class. [Delft University of Technology]
36. Biomedical Devices and Design. Develop new products from concept to prototype testing with the assistance of MGH doctors. [MIT]
37. Sprinkle & Trickle Irrigation. Learn how to design and build a pressurized agricultural irrigation system in this class. [Utah State University]
38. Surface Irrigation Design. A companion course to Sprinkle & Trickle Irrigation, this course focuses on designing a surface irrigation system. [Utah State University]

Biology

While most of you may not be planning to build DNA, the following classes instruct industrious learners on such biological building experiences as medical devices, viruses, stem cells, pharmaceuticals, and even DNA.

39. Introduction to Bioengineering. Learn the basics of bioengineering in this class that starts students on the path of one of may areas of bioengineering. [MIT]
40. Laboratory Fundamentals in Biological Engineering. Experiment with biochemical and molecular techniques to learn the basics of biological engineering. [MIT]
41. Molecular and Cellular Pathophysiology: DNA Repair. Students learn about DNA repair and how it benefits the human body. [MIT]
42. Design of Medical Devices and Implants. Through projects, students learn about ways to design medical devices and implants including orthopedic devices, soft tissue implants, artificial organs, and dental implants. [MIT]
43. Biomedical Information Technology. Complete a major project designing an information system for biological and medical data in this class. [MIT]
44. Nano-life: An Introduction to Virus Structure and Assembly. Study the make-up of viruses and learn the structure of many well-studied pathogens. [MIT]
45. Antibiotics, Toxins, and Protein Engineering. Examine the mechanisms of antibiotics and toxins and learn protein engineering to create new treatments for diseases. [MIT]
46. The Fountain of Life: From Dolly to Customized Embryonic Stem Cells. Students study the history of cloning and embryonic cell research as well as approaches that can help patients with generation of stem cells. [MIT]
47. Principles of Drug Development. Look at preclinical and clinical development of pharmaceuticals as well as examine the benefits, risks, and economic impact of these developments. [Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health]
48. Principles and Practice of Drug Development. Study the basics of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical discovery, development, and manufacturing. [MIT]

Urban Development

Maybe building a city is your thing. These classes will help you learn how to build transportation, cities, and water infrastructure in developing countries.

49. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Urban and Environmental Analysis. Students will learn how to complete a mapping/analysis project using GIS skills acquired in this class. [Tufts University]
50. A Workshop on Geographic Information Systems. This class should be a good complement with the introduction class from Tufts. Expand your skills using GIS software. [MIT]
51. Introduction to Urban Design and Development. Learn the basics about the structure and potential changes within urban areas. [MIT]
52. CityScope: New Orleans. Using the city of New Orleans, learn to assess and design strategies to help solve urban planning problems. [MIT]
53. Advanced Seminar: Urban Nature and City Design. Student projects are the culmination of this class that looks at the blending of the urban environment and nature. [MIT]
54. Urban Design Seminar. Physical and social concerns are at the heart of this seminar which has students designing their own cities. [MIT]
55. Urban Transportation Planning. Get an introduction to planning and designing transportation systems in metropolitan areas with Boston as an example. [MIT]
56. The end of the road?. Study road deterioration and ways to combat this problem by examining road materials, structures, and sustainability. [The University of Nottingham]
57. Revitalizing Urban Main Streets. Learn about both the physical and economic aspects of urban renewal in this class. [MIT]
58. Water and Sanitation Infrastructure in Developing Countries. Upon completing this class, students will be able to create simple yet reliable water supply and sanitation systems for developing countries. [MIT]

Architecture

If you never fulfilled your architecture career dreams in college, you can learn to build homes, offices, or large-scale buildings in these architecture classes.

59. Architectural Design, Level I: Perceptions and Process. Learn the basics of getting ideas drawn with this introductory architecture class. [MIT]
60. Architectural Design, Level II: The Glass House. A follow-up class to Level I, this class examines getting designs built. [MIT]
61. Architectural Design, Level III: A Student Center for MIT. This class offers students an opportunity to conceptualize and design a student center while taking into consideration the human aspect of the needs of the design process. [MIT]
62. Architecture Studio: Building in Landscapes A. Through drawings and models, learn to build within a landscape. [MIT]
63. Architecture Studio: Building in Landscapes B. This class was offered at the same time as part A and has some overlap, but the projects are different and it is recommended that students study both classes in tandem. [MIT]
64. Urban Design Studio: Providence. Students learn to identify the areas that need change within a city, design, and plan the changes through a class project. [MIT]
65. Ecuador Workshop. Design, draw, model, and participate in the completion of a children’s community center in Guayaquil, Ecuador. [MIT]
66. Nature and the Built Environment. Study the history of humanities creations, then contemplate the future of design and building with sustainability as a point of reference. [Notre Dame]
67. Sustainable Design and Technology Workshop. Design your own solution to creating a sustainable environment in this class. [MIT]
68. Architectural Design Workshops: Computational Design for Housing. This intensive 9-day project working with students in Japan utilize student-created software to design a small housing project. [MIT]
69. Building Technology Laboratory. This hands-on lab allows students to work through both models and full-scale projects focusing on various aspects of building design. [MIT]
70. Digital Mock-up Workshop. Using digital modeling, learn to build large-scale prototypes and digital mock-ups with the assistance of outside designers. [MIT]

Art

From making furniture to a film for social change to props for a theatrical production, these courses will teach you how to build with an artistic flair.

71. Furniture Making. Study the history of furniture making, then design and build a functional piece of furniture of your own creation. [MIT]
72. Introduction to Sculpture. Using a variety of mediums, students will learn about sculpture as well as create a piece of their own. [MIT]
73. Creating musical sound. This class makes a scientific exploration of the many ways sound is made on musical instruments. [The Open University]
74. Introduction to Photography. Through several student projects, learn the basics of photography, including processing and printing your own images. [MIT]
75. Introduction to Photography and Related Media. Another chance to learn the basics of photography, this class specifically focuses on brain cognition as represented in photography.
76. Introduction to Video. Learn about video recording and editing and about telling a story through videography in this course. [MIT]
77. Advanced Projects in the Visual Arts: Personal Narrative. Continuing from Introduction to Video, this class helps students learn about creating a movie through exploring narrative in cinema via student projects. [MIT]
78. Producing Films for Social Change. Students will create a film promoting positive social change in this class based on the production and editorial skills gained in the class. [Tufts University]
79. Studio Seminar in Public Art. Learn about creating permanent displays for public art and design and implement your own in this course. [MIT]
80. Introduction to Stagecraft. This theater class teaches students in a hands-on environment how to make such items as a hand-blown glass, chain mail, and a variety of costume and furniture pieces. [MIT]
81. Costume Design for the Theater. Study costume design and the psychology of clothing in this intermediate-level course. [MIT]
82. Design for the Theater: Scenery. Analyze five works and create scenery for each in this class. [MIT]
83. Technical Design: Scenery, Mechanisms, and Special Effects. Examine the structural and practical needs of a set and work on your own design project. [MIT]

Media Arts

If you want to learn how to build with the cutting edge of technology, then these college classes will help you out with ideas that range from holographs to websites to Flash projects.

84. Holographic Imaging. Learn the science behind holographs as well as how to create your own in this class. [MIT]
85. Ambient Intelligence. Study Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and then create your own project for a piece of technology. [MIT]
86. Relational Machines. Social psychology, human-computer interaction, and design come together in this course where students design their own interactive robot. [MIT]
87. Learn and Apply HTML. Get the basics of HTML here so you can build a website without needing expensive software. [Utah State University]
88. Blender 3D Design. Learn to create 3D designs by using Blender software in this class that explores modeling and animation. [Tufts University]
89. Interactive Multimedia Production. Learn to build a Flash 9 project in this class that starts with the fundamentals. [Utah State University]
90. Flash. Using Flash 8, learn how to create a project for your portfolio. [Utah State University]
91. Workshop I. This Comparative Media workshop allows students to create and develop their own project. [MIT]
92. Blogs, Wikis, New Media for Learning. Get the basics for many different web 2.0 technologies in this class. [Utah State University]
93. Designing the user interface: text, colour, images, moving images and sound. Learn the best way to incorporate these elements so that users can best interact with the website or software in question. [The Open University]

Miscellaneous

These classes don’t really fit into any one category, but are well worth checking out. From electronic devices anyone can make to chemical creations in the kitchen to wheelchairs for people in developing countries, you can learn how to build a wide variety of items here.

94. How to Make (Almost) Anything. Using several types of CAD/CAM machines, learn how to make almost anything in this hands-on class. [MIT]
95. How to Learn (Almost) Anything. Another hands-on class, this one looks at the other side of creating by examining learning. Once you learn, you can build. [MIT]
96. Practical Electronics. Anyone can create practical electronic devices after taking this class that teaches how to create such items as remote controls, timers and clocks, and light or sound activated devices. [MIT]
97. Kitchen Chemistry. This hands-on approach to chemistry puts students in the kitchen creating culinary treats while observing the principles of chemistry. [MIT]
98. Advanced Kitchen Chemistry. Follow Kitchen Chemistry with this advanced course to learn more about chemistry, experimentation, and food. [MIT]
99. D-Lab: Development, Design, and Dissemination. Students travel to underdeveloped countries where they learn about the people and the culture, then design and build a functional device tailored for the needs of that country. [MIT]
100. Design for Demining. This class teaches students how to design and build devices to safely detonate land mines. [MIT]
101. Wheelchair Design for Developing Countries. Learn to design and produce wheelchairs for those in developing countries while gaining an understanding for operating environments, social stigmas, and more that may currently prohibit their use. [MIT]

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