Online and Remote Learning

Learn where and when you want.

SCS is committed to making learning as accessible as possible both locally and across the globe. We are continuously expanding our list of over 540 online learning opportunities. From languages to accounting, we offer flexible learning opportunities.

Our online courses are instructor-led and delivered through the University of Toronto’s Learning Management Engine – Quercus. Quercus uses weekly, real time modules and has tools for engagement and community building. Course preparation has built in flexibility so you can read, study, and complete assignments on your own time.

You will communicate with your instructors via discussion boards and/or email. Some online courses include live, interactive webinars. If you’re unable to attend the live webinar, you will be able to view a recording of the webinar on your own schedule.

You may also want to investigate funding opportunities available to you on our Financial Assistance page. Your path to lifelong learning is more attainable than you think!

Deep Reinforcement Learning covers how to construct an intelligent agent that learns by interacting with its environment.  It builds on the introduction to reinforcement learning and deep learning provided in the Intelligent Agents and Deep Learning AI certificate courses, demonstrating how to combine these two powerful technologies to develop agents that can learn to perform at superhuman levels and continue to improve with experience.  The course illustrates how many of the groundbreaking new systems from DeepMind and other AI companies work. By the end of this course, you'll be able to: Explore the fundamental principles of deep reinforcement learning, including dynamic programming, value functions and rewards. Learn to use modern Deep Reinforcement Learning tools and libraries such as TorchRL. Apply a range of advanced techniques, including Dynamic Programming, Monte Carlo Methods, Deep Q Networks, Policy Gradient Methods, and Actor-Critic Methods, to construct intelligent agents. Recognize challenges in combining deep learning with reinforcement learning and employ strategies to mitigate issues that arise. Apply Deep Reinforcement Learning in multi-agent settings, including cooperative, competitive, and mixed games. Explore recent advances and emerging research in Deep Reinforcement Learning to remain at the forefront of the field.
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE
The practice of journalism is plagued with crises, such as digital disruption and plummeting ad revenues, but another crisis is often over-looked: Eurocentric models of newsgathering—despite claims to objectivity—actively preserve the status quo. This course will be a home for theory, discussion and implementation strategies to decolonize those traditional practices. Decolonization will be examined through four lenses: the Indigenous experience, early Black settlement, the Francophone space, and the Global South. Each area will be taught by leading journalists and journalism academics in Canada who will infuse their industry experience and lived experiences through live online webinars. Learners will also have the opportunity to explore publication with one of our editorial partners: Metroland Media, CBC First Person, The Local, Ricochet, Ku'Ku'kwes News, Maisonneuve, Broadview magazine, Africa is a Country, The Narwhal, La Converse, New Lines Magazine, The Rover, Inuit Art Quarterly, Indiginews, Eagle Feather News, THIS magazine, The Grind Magazine (Toronto), and Palestine Square. Define decolonization in the context of journalism in Canada. Appreciate the role of a journalist in honouring Truth and Reconciliation. Explore ethnocentric framing by critically examining how the language and narratives used to frame news stories shape both public opinion and the policy making process. Interrogate the concept of objectivity in journalism. Acquire trust-building techniques in covering under-served communities, including reporting with a trauma-informed approach. Adopt storytelling approaches that serve the community rather than extract from them.
  • Fall - 25
  • Spring/Summer - 25
  • ON-LINE
Building Automation Systems (BAS) are essential for transparent, reliable and sustainable building systems operation. In this course, you’ll learn to implement and maintain BAS and manage user expectations. You’ll acquire the skills you need to evaluate existing BAS, create clear performance indicators, and apply best practices for preventive and reactive maintenance. You’ll emerge ready to be active participant and leader in the evolution of building management, navigating the complexities of the present while preparing for the transformative potentials of the future. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this course, you'll be able to: Apply BAS for cost-effective facility construction, sustainable and reliable operation Communicate concepts related to emerging technologies (i.e., fault detection and diagnostics, Smart buildings, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Twin) Differentiate between the requirements of the BAS and building systems (i.e. HVAC) to effectively manage user expectations Evaluate BAS Sequence of Operations (SOO ) for clear and easy-to-understand communication between all stakeholders Apply BAS functionality for preventive, predictive, and reactive maintenance Assess the use of existing BAS technology in innovative ways Implement BAS to evaluate and create building performance KPIs Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Process improvement Leading Change Client Focus Effective communication BAS Data Driven Solutions
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE
This course provides learners with an understanding of the principles, methodologies, and practical applications of conducting impact environmental assessments in the context of social, environmental, and economic domains.  In this interactive micro course, learners will explore the theoretical foundations of impact assessment and learn about the different frameworks and approaches employed in assessing impacts of major projects. They will gain insights into the key elements of impact assessment, including scoping, baseline data collection, impact prediction, assessment methodologies, and mitigation strategies. Additionally, learners will examine the legal and regulatory frameworks governing impact assessment processes in different sectors and jurisdictions.  Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Measure, evaluate and understand significance of impacts, mitigation measures and residual impacts Conduct baseline studies Understand process of the identification and assessment of environmental impacts Evaluate mitigation measures and alternatives     Monitor and review processes Communicate effectively with stakeholders   Measure, evaluate and categorize cumulative impacts                  Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Assessing Significance of Impacts Familiarity with International, National and Regional Legislation Climate Change Baseline and Permitting Impacts Mitigation Public Engagement Cumulative Impacts
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE
Unleash the power of data science in the realm of self-driving laboratories. This remote, asynchronous course empowers you to apply data science concepts to materials discovery tasks. You’ll create Bayesian optimization scripts, explore advanced optimization topics, and adapt templates to create an advanced optimization setup for a materials discovery task. Topics will include multi-objective, constrained, high-dimensional, multi-fidelity, batch, asynchronous, and domain-aware Bayesian optimization. Additionally, you’ll learn to share your findings by uploading datasets to a data repository, creating benchmark models, and hosting models on data science platforms. This course is presented in partnership with the Acceleration Consortium at the University of Toronto. This is an online, self-directed course, and you can work through the modules at your own pace. You can expect to complete the course in a month but have up to 1 year to complete it. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Describe and categorize a materials discovery task using data science language and concepts Customize a Bayesian optimization script to systematically identify the optimal chocolate chip cookie recipe, demonstrating practical application of optimization techniques Evaluate and select an advanced optimization setup that is best suited for a specific materials discovery task, showcasing critical analysis and decision-making skills Develop and execute a program to upload a dataset to a public database, construct a benchmark model, and deploy it online, illustrating proficiency in data sharing and model hosting Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Data science literacy Bayesian optimization Advanced Bayesian optimization Workflow orchestration Benchmarking
  • Spring/Summer - 24
  • ON-LINE
Embark on a journey into the world of robotics and automation for self-driving laboratories. This asynchronous, remote course equips you with the skills to control peristaltic pumps, linear actuators, automated liquid handlers, and solid dispensers using a microcontroller, a motor driver, and a workflow orchestration package. You’ll also learn to control mobile cobots and perform spatial referencing and ID recognition via computer vision. The course will conclude with a solid sample transfer workflow using a multi-axis robot. Remotely accessible resources will be provided as necessary. This course is presented in partnership with the Acceleration Consortium at the University of Toronto. This is an online, self-directed course, and you can work through the modules at your own pace. You can expect to complete the course in a month but have up to 1 year to complete it. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Design and execute software to manage a peristaltic pump’s operations using a microcontroller and motor driver, demonstrating application and integration skills Construct the “Digital Pipette” and develop software to manipulate the linear actuator, showcasing capabilities in hardware assembly and software programming Operate an automated liquid handler, such as Jubilee or Opentrons, to accurately transfer liquid between vials, demonstrating proficiency in laboratory automation techniques Exhibit the ability to control a mobile collaborative robot (cobot) using the ROS framework, reflecting advanced understanding and operational skills in robotics Showcase the use of OpenCV and AprilTags for spatial referencing and ID lookup, illustrating advanced skills in computer vision and object identification Configure and utilize ROS, AprilTags, and a multi-axis robot to execute solid sample transfers, demonstrating integrated skills in robotics programming and operation Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Motor drivers Serial communication Automated liquid handlers Robotic control Robotic simulation Computer vision Automated solid handlers
  • Spring/Summer - 24
  • ON-LINE
Elevate your software development skills in the context of self-driving laboratories. This asynchronous, remote course introduces software development concepts and best practices and productivity tools such as integrated development environments (IDEs) with VS Code, unit testing with pytest, continuous integration via GitHub actions, and documentation creation using Sphinx and Read the Docs. You’ll also learn to deploy materials discovery campaigns on cloud servers or dedicated hardware and run offline simulations using cloud hosting. This course is presented in partnership with the Acceleration Consortium at the University of Toronto. This is an online, self-directed course, and you can work through the modules at your own pace. You can expect to complete the course in a month but have up to 1 year to complete it. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Enumerate and explain software development best practices along with their corresponding benefits, demonstrating understanding and recall Identify and evaluate various productivity tools for developers, highlighting how they enhance efficiency, to demonstrate analytical and selection skill Compose and execute unit tests using pytest to validate code functionality, demonstrating application and analysis skills in software testing Generate comprehensive Python documentation utilizing Sphinx and Read The Docs, illustrating proficiency in documentation practices and tools Design and deploy a continuous integration (CI) pipeline using GitHub Actions, showcasing the ability to integrate and automate software development processes Construct a reusable project template using PyScaffold, demonstrating skills in enhancing project setup efficiency and standardization Initiate and manage a cloud or local hardware server to execute a materials discovery campaign, demonstrating capabilities in server management and deployment for scientific computing Set up and execute an offline simulation on a cloud hosting service, illustrating the ability to leverage cloud resources for complex computational tasks Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Software development literacy Version control Unit testing Documentation Compute hardware Cloud computing
  • Spring/Summer - 24
  • ON-LINE
Many people aspire to become top performers, but only a few succeed. In this course, you’ll discover proven principles and strategies to help you develop a more collaborative thinking style and growth mindset. You’ll use attentive listening to increase self-awareness and demonstrate your commitment to participation and positivity. You’ll build relationships so you can assess needs, map resources, leverage feedback and handle adversity. By choosing to embrace failure, you’ll increase your chances for success while learning to manage your reputation. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Recognize opportunities for self awareness through attentive listening Choose to embrace failure Demonstrate a commitment to participation Assess needs and mapping resources effectively Design processes for valuing contributions Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Empathy Positivity Social Consciousness Relationship Building Collaboration
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE
Conflict is inevitable in business. In this interactive course, you’ll learn how to turn that from a negative into a catalyst for positive change. You’ll use group exercises and role-play to become more adaptable and approach conflict more effectively. You’ll explore best practices in communication that strengthen your leadership and negotiation skills. You’ll emerge better equipped to coach employees, analyze the needs of diverse audiences, and create effective and inclusive narratives that persuade them to see your point of view. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Recognize and chart observations for delegation Develop strong diction, tone and vocal variance Analyze audiences with diverse needs and/or backgrounds Design effective and agile narrative structures Define and prioritize objectives in preparation for negotiation Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Coaching Persuasion Inclusion Storytelling Conflict Management
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE
This course is dedicated to disrupting entrenched patterns of thinking and behaviour that adversely affect business outcomes, underutilize talent, and lead to resource wastage. You will learn to develop a self-disciplined mindset that emphasizes proactive action over passivity and effectively minimizes risks at the individual, team, and organizational levels. Through the power of critical, creative and collaborative thinking, you will be empowered with strategies and insights to break free from limiting habits, fostering a culture of dynamic and responsible decision-making that drives success in the business environment. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Demonstrate an ability to imagine, and play Understand the process and power of logical reasoning Explain your choices in processing information Perform effective searches using diverse sources Define the parameters and goals of the problem Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Creativity Critical Thinking Data Driven Decision Making Digital Literacy Problem Solving
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE

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