Science starts here
On this page
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| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | 2 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) |
| No examination | No residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
Are you interested in studying science and considering distance learning? Are you worried your maths might let you down? Did you miss out on science in school? Science starts here is specifically for students who have done little or no science before, and whose maths is rusty (or non-existent!). Exploring the role that water plays in sustaining life – from the journey of a glass of water through the body to the effects of pollution, this ten-week course provides a gentle introduction to the basic maths and scientific vocabulary needed for Exploring science (S104), our 60-point interdisciplinary science course.
Course content
Have you ever asked yourself why ice floats on the surface of a pond rather than sinking to the bottom, or why sweating can cool you down? Have you ever wondered how camels can survive for long periods in the desert without water but humans cannot? Do you want to learn more about science but worry that you lack the basic science and maths skills to get started? Then this course could be for you. The course is based on the theme Water for life and explores the nature and importance of water, on which all life depends. It covers a range of topics, from the use of water by individuals to the threat of water pollution on a worldwide scale, and from how desert organisms survive arid conditions to the effect of water temperature on activity of yeast. It also introduces some basic scientific concepts to help you develop the study, writing and mathematical skills that you will need to start studying science. You will learn about atoms, molecules and ions, and how to read and interpret information communicated in tables, graphs and chemical equations.
The course assumes some knowledge of arithmetic. You will also be given an introduction to negative numbers, fractions, percentages, graph plotting and the use of scientific notation and SI units of measurement.
Entry
You are not expected to have any knowledge of science, but you should be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide simple whole numbers. You should also be able to read and understand written English of a style and complexity characteristic of a professional magazine or quality newspaper. 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. The Science Faculty offers an interactive quiz Are you ready for science study?, to help you to decide which course to study, and whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the course or whether you need a little extra preparation.
Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning. By the end of the course you will be expected to be working successfully at the level required to start studying our 60 point interdisciplinary science course, Exploring science (S104). If you have any doubt about the level of study or the suitability of the course, please seek advice from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Preparatory work
There is no preparatory work for this course. However, if you do not already have access to a computer of the appropriate specification (see You will need section below) you will need to arrange this (and internet access) before the course starts.
Qualifications
S154 is a optional course in our
- Certificate in Contemporary Science (C70)
- 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) Physical Science (B27)
- BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Physics (B56)
S154 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.
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
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of the course material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical and scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. The course materials are also available on audio in DAISY Digital Talking Book format. The printed course books are available in a comb-bound format. Large print versions of the printed course material 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.
This course also involves plotting graphs, which may be difficult for some students. If you have severely impaired sight or limited manual dexterity, you may find it useful to have an assistant to help you with some of the practical activities and make full use of the resources.
This course is also partially delivered through a website and includes the use of computer based resources and tools such as online forums. 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 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, DVD-ROM, course website, other printed and online materials, course forums for interaction with other students.
You will need
Basic scientific calculator; a few items of household equipment for practical work.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – 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 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.
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 to help you with your study methods.
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.
Assessment is an essential part of the teaching, so you are expected to complete it all. There are also some online assessments to help you with your study that do not count towards the pass mark. This is a 10-point course which runs over a fixed 10-week period. There is no choice of alternative dates for submission of the assignments.
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 March and October 2010. We expect it to be available twice a 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 Environment, Development and International Studies and Science.
Study explained
- Course
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- 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
I really enjoyed this course, I was never confident at math, but the math in this course was explained very ...
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Excellent course that covered basic scientific study principles. As a student moving from other OU disciplines to the Sciences, I ...
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