ATU announces the development of two new courses

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is set to launch two new free, short, online courses (MOOCs) as part of its ongoing commitment to accessible education through the Higher Education 4.0 (HE4.0) project.

The new courses—bringing the total to over 50 available on freecourses.atu.ie—will focus on Forensic Toxicology and Social Robotics, and are aimed at professionals, students, and lifelong learners alike.

New Forensic Toxicology MOOC

Dr Geraldine M. Dowling, a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and expert in forensic toxicology, will lead the development of ATU’s first Global Forensic Toxicology MOOC. Drawing on her extensive academic and professional experience, Dr Dowling aims to create a course that provides free, high-quality, industry-focused training for professionals in law enforcement, healthcare, government, and laboratories, as well as interested members of the public.

“This Global MOOC will provide free, accessible, high-quality, international standard training and, we hope, will position ATU as a leader in online, flexible, professional development surrounding cutting-edge online MOOC practice and knowledge collaboration in the field of forensic toxicology,”  said Dr Dowling.

Third Social Robotics Course in Development

Meanwhile, Drs John Pender and Perry Share will develop their third free course on social robotics, titled Context, Foresight and Implementation. This new MOOC builds on earlier work involving ATU social care students who constructed a social robot named Blossom—the first time such a learning opportunity was offered in Ireland.

The new course will explore how robotics, AI, and virtual reality are shaping health, social care, and education, with a focus on ethics, governance, and future societal impacts.

“In this third MOOC, we look to the future as robotics converges with AI,” said Dr Share. Dr Pender added: “It’s not just about technology—it’s about values, ethics, and preparing learners for leadership in this evolving landscape.”

The courses are being developed as part of HE4.0, funded by the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3, which has supported more than 20 of the 50+ free MOOCs currently offered by ATU. Other available topics include Lean Construction, Ocean Pollution, Marketing, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The freecourses.atu.ie platform was relaunched by ATU President Dr Orla Flynn in November 2024 and has since attracted thousands of learners.

For more information and to enrol, visit: freecourses. atu.ie.

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