Student and tutor module reviews
Environmental science
- Points: 60
- Code: S206
- Level: 2
- On this page
Student reviews
I found this to be a very interesting course, and thoroughly enjoyed parts like the fieldcasts, where we got to interact with tutors to decide the subject of our investigation in real time when they were out on the Milton Keynes campus.
There is a lot of content in this module, and it's hard work, particularly if you're taking another module alongside it.
There is a good amount of maths in this module and some stats, but nothing I found too tricky. I recommend attending the tutorials on stats as these are really helpful.
Some of the course appeared to be slightly outdated with regard to climate change, but this module is reaching the end of its presentation years, so probably to be expected.
Course starting: October 2022
Review posted: November 2023
A very interesting module that will keep you on your toes. There is a lot of material and activities to work through and at times it could be overwhelming. It covers many science disciplines and will really give your brain a good workout. I didn't think I'd get through it, but I managed to get a distinction. It was hard work but the most rewarding module I've done so far.
Course starting: October 2022
Review posted: September 2023
Excellent module! Detailed and sometimes complex but extremely interesting. Well worth the effort. Go on the field schools if you can.
I really wish there was an OU level 3 module which delved deeper into the areas covered.
Course starting: October 2021
Review posted: May 2023
This is a very complex, heavy course. Extremely fast-paced and very detailed. If you're thinking as you're first level 2 course I'd really reconsider the step up from level 1 to this was hell. My other level 2 is far easier and has been like a step down. I strongly recommend studying s112 before this as you'll be lacking a lot of essential background knowledge if you don't.
Course starting: October 2018
Review posted: March 2020
Faculty response
Thank you so much for taking the time to study and review S206. Being a 60-credit OU level 2 module that is fundamental to those wanting to pursue a degree in Environmental Science as well as many other degrees in this field, it is designed to build on the foundations laid down in 'Science: concepts and practice' (S112) and 'Environment: journeys through a changing world' (U116), whilst being specific to the science of different environments, and in doing so, its intensity and complexity are slightly higher than studying an OU level 1 module. This module has many knowledgeable and helpful tutors to deliver support and advice, and a wide-range of different tuition strategies, from tutor group-sized tutorials to nationwide tutorials, virtual field trips, interactive field casts and field schools to aid individuals’ learning. The assessment strategy has recently been amended to remove the end of module exam, and is now based on six tutor-marked assignments only, making it less intensive at the conclusion of the module.
This was an online module. I find this difficult, since annotating, underlining, etc. are impossible. Finding past material is also difficult.
Having said that, the module brought the environment alive for me. Almost everything I see outside of the house is now of more interest than it was before.
I chose to attend the field course, in my case on Exmoor. The weather was awful, but the projects we were asked to complete were interesting.
Beth Rudkin
Course starting: October 2018
Review posted: August 2019