Science starts here
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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-credit interdisciplinary science course.
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 | S154 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 2 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) |
| No examination |
| 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
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. The course also assumes and requires some basic computer and word processing skills.
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.
To study this course you require basic computer skills such as simple word processing and being able to use the Web.
You should use the interactive quiz Are you ready for science study? to check whether you have the recommended background and experience to study S154.
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 credit 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
You should use the interactive quiz Are you ready for science study? to check whether you have the recommended background and experience to study S154.
If you do not have access to a computer of the appropriate specification (see Computing requirements section below) and access to the internet, you will need to arrange this before the course starts.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of the study 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 study materials are also available on audio in DAISY Digital Talking Book format. The printed course books are available in a comb-bound format. 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 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
Course book, DVD-ROM, a website, other printed and online materials, online forums for interaction with other students.
You will need
Basic scientific calculator; a few items of household equipment for practical work. You will also need some means of inputting a digital image of a hand-drawn graph into a word-processed file e.g. a scanner, a digital camera or a mobile phone with a camera.
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 2005 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 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 must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and you must work online to complete interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs).
Assessment is an essential part of the teaching, so you are expected to complete it all. This is a 10-credit 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 2012 when it will be available for the last time.
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 | S154 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 2 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) |
| No examination |
| 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
A good module if you are new to science study/OU learning and/or haven't studied for a long time. Good preparation ...
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A very enjoyable introduction to science. Everything is very clearly explained and a great many topics are covered. An invaluable ...
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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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