Exploring science
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This key introductory Level 1 course is an ideal starting point for studying the natural sciences – astronomy and planetary science; biology; chemistry, earth and environmental science; and physics. Using a blend of text and online study materials, this wide-ranging course investigates the major scientific issues affecting human society in the twenty-first century. You will explore the fundamentals of modern science and develop important scientific concepts and skills to give you a solid foundation for studying science at a higher level. You should have some knowledge of basic science concepts and mathematical skills before you begin.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Environment, Development and International Studies and Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | S104 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 6 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 7 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
Exploring science uses the approaches taken by physicists, Earth scientists, biologists and chemists to develop your understanding of planet Earth. Topics covered include Earth’s materials and lifeforms, our Solar System, our galaxy and more distant galaxies that make up the Universe, and the physical laws that govern the Universe.
Associated residential school
The 10-credit residential school course Practising science (SXR103) or online course Scientific investigations (S155) offers activities that develop the practical aspects of the science in S104.
If you want to count S104 as a module of an Open University degree in science you may need to include SXR103 and/or S155. It might be appropriate to take either SXR103 or S155 in the same year, if you feel you can cope with that amount of study (70 credits).
If you do decide to study SXR103 or S155, you must register for these courses separately, for which an additional fee is payable.
You will learn
The methods of acquiring scientific information and important concepts used in biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, physics, astronomy and environmental science, and their relevance in everyday life. You’ll develop skills enabling you to make sense of scientific information presented in a variety of ways (such as in books and by computer) and to communicate your knowledge of scientific topics. The course will help you develop appropriate mathematical skills so that you can process and present scientific data. During the course, you’ll carry out some practical work, recording your observations and measurements. Overall, this course offers learning that provides an ideal general science foundation, upon which later more specialist science study can be built.
Vocational relevance
While studying a variety of interesting topics, this course will develop your problem-solving abilities, mathematical and communication skills, and use of computers for learning and communication. All these skills are likely to be useful in a work context, particularly jobs requiring a precise and quantitative approach.
Entry
This is a key introductory Level 1 course. Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you to progress to Level 2 study.
You are not expected to have an extensive knowledge of science, but you should be able to:
- understand a number of basic mathematical and science concepts and have mathematical skills to at least GCSE level
- read and understand written English of a style and complexity characteristic of a professional magazine such as New Scientist (though not necessarily the science content) or quality newspaper
- write clearly and concisely, structuring short pieces of writing so that they flow coherently
- log on to the internet, find websites and communicate by email.
If you have not studied science and mathematics to at least GCSE level fairly recently, you are advised to study Science starts here (S154) before beginning Exploring science.
If you are new or a less confident learner, start with Introducing environment (Y181), Starting with maths (Y182) or Understanding health (Y178). These are Openings courses, also at Level 1 but worth 15 credits. Designed with lots of support and no examination, they will give you a gentle introduction to this subject and to OU study. If you successfully complete one of these Openings courses, you’ll be ready to study S154 or K101.
It is essential that you establish whether or not your background and experience give you a sound basis on which to tackle the course, since students who are appropriately prepared have the best chance of completing their studies successfully and get the most enjoyment out of the course. We have produced guidance on where to begin your Level 1 study in Science, depending on your previous background and experience. Are you ready for S104? is an interactive quiz to help you decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the course or whether you should consider first studying a 10-credit course such as Science starts here (S154) or an Openings course.
By the end of the course you will be expected to be working successfully at the level required of first-year undergraduate students.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
You may find the course challenging if your sight is severely impaired and you may not be able to achieve all of the learning outcomes for the course. As part of the course you will study video material and three-dimensional animations on DVD-ROM which cannot be fully described in words. The printed study materials are available on audio in DAISY Digital Talking Book format. It is possible to have an assistant to help you with some of the practical activities in the course.
Written transcripts of the audio-visual components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical or scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
Online and computer activities form part of this course. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in operating a computer or the internet and have any concerns about accessing this type of material you are advised to talk to the Student Registration & Enquiry Service about support which can be given to meet your needs.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting your needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Books, other printed materials, DVDs, small kit including rock specimens.
You will need
Scientific calculator, access to some household items including an energy-saver light bulb to conduct practical activities.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities and course software provided on DVD – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2005 or an Apple Mac (OS X 10.4 or later) or Linux computer, it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for academic advice and guidance. If you are new to The Open University, you will find that your tutor is particularly concerned with helping you with your study methods. Your tutor will also offer support through email and online forum discussions. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
There will also be a written end-of-module assessment (EMA), consisting of a longer assignment that covers material throughout the course.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2012 and February 2013. We expect it to be available twice a year.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Environment, Development and International Studies and Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | S104 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 6 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 7 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
This was an eye opening first course for OU studies. You must have a very well planned life and set ...
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A great inter-disciplinary science module. It is good preparation for Level 2 science study. ...
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Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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