Fossils and the history of life
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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
Fossils and the history of life is one of a series of short, flexible 10-point courses introducing fascinating topics in science. This course explains how organisms become fossilised – identifies the common fossils you are likely to find – and shows you where they fit into the story of evolution. 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
This course will give you a basic understanding of fossils and an overview of the history of life. The course books also cover (in colour) spectacular fossils such as dinosaurs and other vertebrates; rare fossils that have soft parts preserved; human evolution; mass extinctions, and other key events in the evolution of life. We give you some replica fossils on which you can learn to make and record observations on specimens. The course will encourage you to think critically about reconstructions of prehistoric animals and plants, and the environments in which they lived. It will give you a perspective on life today and how it has changed over geological time.
The course is based on two books: the Atlas of the Prehistoric World and a specially written course book. You will also study video footage on DVD, do some practical work that involves making observations on replica fossils, and have the opportunity to study an optional multimedia package on DVD-ROM.
Entry
The course is designed for people who are new to science, but is also suitable for those who have some scientific background. A little basic knowledge of natural history would be useful, but you need little more than an interest in fossils and the history of life, and the motivation to discover more about this exciting topic. Many people will also find the course useful for extending their knowledge of this popular subject: teachers, for example, and those involved in communicating natural history to the public.
Mathematically you need only to be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide simple numbers. To cope with the printed material you should be able to understand in outline the sort of articles printed in the ‘quality’ newspapers.
You can check that you have the appropriate background by trying out the interactive quiz Are you ready for science study?
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.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
This is an optional course in our:
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Life Sciences (B28)
- Certificate in Contemporary Science (C70)
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 printed 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. If you have severely impaired sight, you might find parts of this course challenging: studying details of the fossil replicas, for example. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
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
Two books, study guide, DVD (optional use as a DVD-ROM), practical kit, website.
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
Study support
You can telephone or email a study adviser, who will be able to help you with academic questions to do with the course and 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 asked to submit a multiple-choice, computer-marked assessment (CMA) at the end of the course. We strongly recommend that you submit this using the electronic CMA system, but there will be the facility to submit a paper copy. There is no examination.
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 details given here are for the course that 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 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.
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