- An undergraduate course
in
Environment, Development and International Studies
and
Science.
Exploring science
- On this page
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| 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) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
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 basic mathematical skills and knowledge of basic science concepts before you begin.
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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..
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
- create, save and retrieve documents using basic word processing skills.
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. 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.
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.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
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 have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Books, other printed materials, DVDs, small practical kit including rock specimens.
You will need
A scientific calculator, access to some household items including an energy-saver light bulb to conduct practical activities. You will need some means of inputting a digital image of a hand-drawn diagram into a word-processed file e.g. scanner, digital camera or mobile phone with a camera.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course. It includes online activities – you can access using a web browser – and some course software provided on DVD.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer running Windows since 2007, or an Apple Mac (OS X 10.6 or later) or Linux computer, you should have no problems completing the computer-based activities.
- A netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device is not suitable for this course – check our Technical requirements section.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
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.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2013 and February 2014. We expect it to be available twice a year.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Student Reviews
“For me, this was a very difficult course. It is extremely intense, with 8 course books covering every aspect of ...”
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“Not an easy course, however I enjoyed every bit of it. The books were well written, with a wide range ...”
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Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| 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) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
Course satisfaction survey
See the satisfaction survey results for this course.
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