Middlesex Community College's English Learner Institute offers a variety of noncredit courses focusing on developing basic English and other skills essential to American culture.

The courses are designed to serve students 16 and older who are newcomers to the United States or who need to develop basic English skills. Topics such as technology, life skills and social conventions are also covered. Non-native speakers who have not met state MCAS requirements for high-school graduation may also take this coursework.

The courses run May 12 through July 18, in four- and six-week sessions. All courses are noncredit and are available either free or at a reduced rate. They meet on the Lowell Campus. Admission to the program is open to all and does not require an admission application.

The program also offers instruction in intermediate and advanced English for students who need to meet English proficiency standards for Middlesex degree and certificate programs. Courses are nonsequential and students may enter the program

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three times during the year -- fall, spring and summer.

For more information, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/CareerTraining or call 978-656-3258.

Middlesex Community College is now accepting applications for its new Computer Forensics programs. This fall, thanks to a National Science Foundation grant, Middlesex is launching a two-year associate degree program, as well as a one-year certificate program in this emerging field.

"Computer forensics is the finding and collecting, as well as the investigation and analysis of digital evidence related to a crime," said Margaret Bleichman, chair of MCC's Computer Science Department.

Computer forensics -- also known as digital evidence -- combines courses in criminal justice with information technology.

Coursework is offered days and evenings, and includes criminal law, criminal investigation, evidence and court procedures, as well as computer operating systems, networks and security. Hands-on training is offered in a state-of-the-art digital forensics lab on the Lowell Campus.

The program is designed to augment the skills of professionals in both computer technology and criminal justice careers. Graduates of the two-year associate degree program may choose to immediately enter the field or continue their studies in a bachelor's degree program.

To register, call 1-800-818-3434.