Exploring science
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| 7 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | 9 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) |
| End-of-course assessment | No residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
What is causing global warming? Why are some countries plagued by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions while others suffer none? How do drugs work? How does the Sun provide energy for life on Earth? Why is biodiversity important? How do plants and animals evolve? What rules does the Universe follow? Might there be life elsewhere in the Universe? This course explores these and other fascinating questions while developing important scientific concepts and skills, and providing a foundation for studying science at higher levels. You should have some knowledge of basic science concepts and mathematical skills before you begin, such as provided by the 10-point course Science starts here (S154).
Course content
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-point residential school course Practising science (SXR103) offers activities that develop the practical aspects of the science in S104. If you want to count S104 towards an Open University named degree in Science you may need to include SXR103 as well. It might be appropriate to take the two in the same year, if you feel you can cope with that much study (70 points). If you decide to attend the residential school, you must register for SXR103 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
You are not expected to have an extensive knowledge of science, but you should have mathematical skills to at least GCSE level and understand a number of basic mathematical and science concepts. You should also be able to 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. You should be able to write clearly and concisely, structuring short pieces of writing so that they flow coherently. You should be able to 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.
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-point course such as Science starts here (S154) or an Openings 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 courses at Level 2. 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.
Preparatory work
S104 assumes you already have some science and mathematical skills, such as those introduced in the course Science starts here (S154), or GCSEs in science and mathematics. You can check that you have the appropriate background by trying out the interactive quiz Are you ready for S104?
Qualifications
We can award a Certificate in Natural Sciences (C26) to students who successfully complete the course.
S104 is a compulsory course in our:
- Diploma of Higher Education in Analytical Sciences (E53)
- Foundation Degree in Analytical Sciences (G15)
- BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (B16)
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Molecular Science (B26)
- BSc (Honours) Life Sciences (B28)
- BSc (Honours) Environmental Science (B52)
- BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Physics (B56)
S104 is an optional course in our:
- BA/BSc (Honours) Environmental Studies (B19)
- BSc (Honours) Physical Science (B27)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Health Sciences (E49)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Paramedic Sciences (E52)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Operating Department Practice (E58)
- Foundation Degree in Paramedic Sciences (G11)
- Foundation Degree in Health Sciences (G12)
- Foundation Degree in Operating Department Practice (G19)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it can help to weight your degree towards a BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
This course can be studied as part of the ‘2 plus 2’ scheme. The ‘2 plus 2’ scheme allows you to gain your degree by studying two years part-time with the OU followed by two years full-time with one of our partner universities. For more details, please visit the ‘2 plus 2’ scheme website.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a course towards a qualification if you have already taken another course with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this course, visit our excluded combination finder or check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering.
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 course 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. Large print versions of the printed course materials can be provided on request. Other alternative formats of the course 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 Sevice 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 booklet Meeting your needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course 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.
Course materials
What's included
Course 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 has 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 2002 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 course 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 can choose whether to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) on paper or online through the eTMA system. You may want to use the eTMA system for some of your assignments but submit on paper for others. This is entirely your choice.
There will also be a written end-of-course assessment, consisting of a written assignment which must be submitted on paper and a short iCMA.
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 2009 and February 2010. We expect it to be available twice a year, starting in February and October.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in The Open Programme, Environment, Development and International Studies, Engineering and Technology, Psychology and Science.
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