This course introduces the fundamental computer science principles that power today’s apps. You will also learn to create your own Android app using Java and standard software development tools.

ALCHEMY
Have fun combining the four classical elements (earth, air, fire and water) to try and find over 300 more-complex compounds, everything from steam, alcohol and clay to vampires, aircraft and skyscrapers.
Free

ELEMENTS 2.0
If you’d rather learn about the real elements, they’re all here in the periodic table, complete with physical, thermal and atomic properties. No vampires, though.
Free

INSTANT HEART RATE
Place a fingertip over your phone’s camera lens and this app will be able to take your pulse. It’s able to do this by counting the subtle changes in skin colour caused by blood pulsing through your veins.
Free

WIFI ANALYZER
This really useful app shows you the strength of any nearby Wi-Fi signals. Use it to find dead spots in your house, or to spot any clashes between your network and your neighbour’s.
Free

SKEPTICAL SCIENCE
I don’t see what all this ‘global warming’ fuss is about, the ice caps look fine to me.” Challenge any anti-climate change argument with this database of scientific comebacks.
Free

SPACEPHYSICS
Guide a ball to a target by drawing shapes, gears, levers and even a rudimentary car. Then watch your drawings come to life and obey the laws of physics.
£1.21

MOTHER TED
The TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conferences usually produce inspirational talks by fascinating people. Watch the videos using this app.
Free

GOOGLE SKY MAP
Point your phone to the heavens and let Google tell you what you’re looking at. The search function will even tell you where to direct your phone to find the most stunning sights in the night sky.
Free

DELUXE MOON
Get closer to our nearest celestial neighbour with regularly updated images of its surface and information about each of its different phases.
Free

TABER’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY
A comprehensive store of medical knowledge with over 60,000 entries, 1000 illustrations and 30,000 audio pronunciations so you don’t get tongue-tied with all those difficult-to-say diagnoses.
£30.49