A new MOOC “Biosensors” has been developed and is currently offered on the Coursera platform

A new MOOC “Biosensors” has been developed and is currently offered on the Coursera platform. It is the second course developed by Anna Yushkova, an associate professor at the Higher College of Informatics, who has already conducted a course on genetics. Her courses enjoy an impressive number of viewers and get high ratings on the Coursera and Lectorium platforms.

The concept of biosensors has already become common knowledge. It is an analytical device that converts a biological response into an electrical signal and thus detects different chemical reactions in cells. Actually, natural biosensors in living organisms demonstrate even more impressive features. Such sensor systems are analyzed in the MOOC “Biosensors” offered by NSU.

The course is aimed at high school students who wish to learn more about biology and will be accessible to a wide audience with strong interest in the variety of organisms around us and their sensory perception.

“Biosensors are structures helping organisms learn about the environment around us. There is a wide range of aspects and issues related to biosensor technology. The molecular level demonstrates striking similarity in the functioning of different systems, while at the level of cells and tissues the variety of biosensors is remarkable,” explains Anna Yushkova. “Some mammals, for example, developed senses beyond human reach, such as perception of particular sounds, smells or wavelengths. Other animals can navigate using magnetic or electric fields. Sensor systems help scientists study a range of issues from evolution to medicine, and this MOOC is our introduction to biosensors’ structures and their functioning, which will help to understand some issues connected with the real-world domains of biology, medicine, etc.”

NSU offers a set of MOOCs on the Coursera platform including “Basic Virology”, “Genetics”, “Gemstones: diagnostic testing and expert evaluation” and “GMO: technologies used in genetic modifications and methods of application”. The entollment counts 18,000+ with free access to the materials on the platform. Students may get a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

Visit the NSU page on the Coursera at https://www.coursera.org/nsu