Maths for science
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| 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
Maths for science is one of a series of short, flexible 10-point courses introducing fascinating topics in science. Do you want to take a Level 2 science course with The Open University or elsewhere, but worry that you lack confidence in using mathematics as a tool in science? Then this course could be for you. It also enables you to try out an area of study before you commit yourself to a longer course, or top up your knowledge and skills between longer courses. It has a choice of start dates, and you decide how long to take over your studies: eight to ten weeks, or up to five months.
Course content
Mathematical techniques are explained, and worked examples are included throughout the course, but the main emphasis is on providing examples for you to try for yourself. Many of the examples have a scientific flavour and detailed answers are also provided. As you work through the questions you will be able to revise the mathematical skills you already have, as well as learning and practising new ones, and your confidence in handling maths should increase. There are two online interactive assessments which give you instantaneous feedback on your answers; one can be attempted at any point during the course and provides practice for the end of course assessment with the same format.
The course assumes some knowledge of arithmetic, but other topics, such as addition and multiplication of fractions, are revised; while algebraic techniques, such as rearranging and combining equations, are taught from first principles. You will also have an introduction to scientific notation, logarithms, radians, trigonometry, differentiation, and some scientific uses of statistics and probability.
Entry
You are strongly advised to attempt the short diagnostic quiz Is Maths for science the right course for you? to assess whether S151 is appropriate for your needs. The course is not meant for absolute beginners in mathematics and is not recommended as your first Open University course. It is only one of a number of Level 1 mathematics courses available to you. If you intend to study Exploring science (S104), you are advised to do so before studying S151. The maths in S151 would be excellent preparation for The physical world (S207) or Astronomy (S282). However, it is not an adequate preparation if you intend to go on to Open University physics courses at Level 3 or mathematics courses at Level 2 or 3.
The course assumes that you can add, subtract, multiply and divide positive and negative numbers and understand the use of brackets in numerical calculations. You should know how to express numbers as fractions and decimals and as simple powers (e.g. know that 1000 can be written as 103). You should be able to measure angles in degrees; plot and read data from straight-line graphs; use symbols to represent quantities and substitute numerical values into simple formulae. You will find the course more straightforward if you know how to add and multiply numerical fractions; rearrange very simple algebraic equations and find the gradient of a straight-line graph. But the course does not assume great confidence in these topics and they are all revised. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you would like more information about the range of science short courses available you can visit the science short courses website. This site includes a frequently asked questions section and throughout the year details of special regional events are posted here.
Qualifications
S151 is a compulsory course in our:
- Diploma of Higher Education in Analytical Sciences (E53)
- Foundation Degree in Analytical Sciences (G15)
This is an optional course in our:
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Life Sciences (B28)
- BSc (Honours) Molecular Science (B26)
- BSc (Honours) Physical Science (B27)
- BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Physics (B56)
- Certificate in Contemporary Science (C70)
- Certificate in Introductory Astronomy (C91)
- 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 as 10 points towards an Open University bachelors degree and would be particularly suitable for inclusion in one of the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences degrees alongside other 10-point science courses. 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.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Some of the course materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Large print versions of the course material can be provided on request. The books are available in a comb-bound format. You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer and the internet.
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 book including explanations, worked examples and questions; study guide, CD-ROM, book of revision questions, online interactive assessments and a website.
Some of the course materials are not available electronically via the course website so if you are studying this course outside the EU and register close to the start date you may have to plan to study the course over the longer (5-month) time period.
You will need
You will need a basic scientific calculator.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you cannot use an Apple Mac or Linux computer unless it is running windows Boot Camp or similar.
Teaching and assessment
Study support
You can telephone or email a study adviser, who will be able to help you with academic questions related to the course or the assessment. There will also be an online discussion forum that you can use to get in touch with study advisers and other students. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
You will be required to submit an end-of-course assessment that must be completed online via the internet.
For each course presentation there is a choice of two alternative dates by which you have to submit the single piece of assessment: February course start completes end of April or end of July; May start completes end of July or end of October; September start completes end of October or end of January; November start completes end of January or end of April.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The course starts in February, May, September and November of each year.
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 Mathematics and Statistics and Science.
Study explained
- Course
- - a module of study that can count towards a qualification.
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Student Reviews
A brilliant course for those who are pushed for time and want to improve their mathematical skills. Due to ill-health ...
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S151 is a wonderful course for those not having taken maths in a long time and wanting to boost their ...
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