The University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre offers a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) called “Understanding Dementia.” This world-leading course provides university-quality education about the latest developments in dementia research and care, accessible to anyone with an interest in the subject[1].
The Understanding Dementia MOOC is designed for a diverse audience, including health professionals, caregivers, individuals in the early stages of dementia, policymakers, and those with a general interest in the topic. The course covers three main modules: The Brain, The Diseases, and The Person[1][11].
Participants can expect to spend approximately 3 hours per week engaging with the course content and activities. The course runs for 7 weeks, with a total of 10 weeks of access to the materials[1][4]. Upon completing the final quizzes for all three modules, participants are eligible to download a certificate of completion[1].
Course Content
The Understanding Dementia MOOC addresses key issues surrounding dementia, providing:
- Knowledge to maximize quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers
- Opportunities for discussion and networking with an international community
- Insights from neuroscientists, clinicians, and dementia care professionals[1][11]
Benefits of the Course
- Free and easily accessible
- No exams or assignments required
- Flexible learning schedule
- Certificate of completion available
- Opportunity to engage with a global community of learners[1][3]
FAQ
Q: What are the prerequisites for the Understanding Dementia MOOC?
A: There are no prerequisites for this course. It is designed to be accessible to people from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience[11].
Q: How long does the Understanding Dementia MOOC run for?
A: The course runs for 7 weeks, with scheduled content. However, participants have access to the materials for a total of 10 weeks[1][4].
Q: Are there any exams or assignments in the Understanding Dementia MOOC?
A: No, there are no exams or assignments required. The course provides an opportunity to engage with the content without the pressure of formal assessments[1][3].
Q: How much time should I dedicate to the course each week?
A: Participants should expect to spend approximately 3 hours per week engaging with the content and completing related course activities[1][4].
Q: Is there a certificate available upon completion?
A: Yes, after completing the final quizzes for all three modules of the course, participants are eligible to download a certificate of completion[1].
Q: Who can benefit from this course?
A: The course is designed for a wide range of individuals, including health professionals, caregivers, people in the early stages of dementia, social scientists, health policymakers, and anyone with a general interest in dementia[1][3].
For those interested in pursuing further education in dementia care, the University of Tasmania also offers a Dementia Care Degree Program. Successful completion of the Understanding Dementia MOOC qualifies participants to apply for enrollment in their Diploma in Dementia Care under a full HECS scholarship[3].
Citations:
[1] https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia
[2] https://www.palliaged.com.au/Practice-Centre/Training-and-Education/Online-Learning/Dementia-Training-Australia-Online-Courses
[3] https://palliativecarensw.org.au/free-understanding-dementia-online-course/
[4] https://crm.mooc.utas.edu.au/crm_email.php?edm_email_id=944
[5] https://cognitivecare.gov.au/resources/online-learning/
[6] https://www.goldcarehomeservices.com/post/free-online-university-courses-understanding-dementia-preventing-dementia
[7] https://dementiaresearch.org.au/resources/understanding-dementia-mooc/
[8] https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/dementia-training-program
[9] https://www.classcentral.com/course/independent-understanding-dementia-981
[10] https://www.dementia.org.au/professionals/professional-development-and-training
[11] https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0037/356896/dementia_mooc.pdf