Planetary science and the search for life
On this page
|
|
|
|
|
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown.
Summary
This course tackles fundamental questions about our solar system. How did it form and how has it evolved? Why aren’t all the planets like Earth? How and why did life arise on Earth? Has life arisen elsewhere in the solar system or beyond, and could it be intelligent? You’ll look at the exploration of the solar system by spacecraft; planetary processes such as volcanism and impacts; the structure of planets and their atmospheres; and asteroids, comets and meteorites. You’ll use web-based resources and electronic conferencing extensively. Although the course is intended for a wide range of people, a background in science is required.
Course content
The course comprises two modules, each consisting of a full-colour book. DVD and web-based material support and extend the modules and are an integral part of the course.
An introduction to the solar system: we begin with a look at our own solar system, examining the layout of the planets and their basic physical properties. You will learn about the structure and origin of the solar system, and about the distinctive differences between solar system bodies, from meteorites, asteroids and comets to the giant gas planets such as Jupiter and Saturn. You will also see how planetary processes such as impact cratering and volcanism have shaped the surfaces of many bodies in the solar system, and explore the processes at work in the atmospheres of both small and giant planets. Throughout this module, you will see how our knowledge has been added to from a wide range of space missions.
A range of activities support this module, including extensive computer and web-based activities. For example, you will retrieve and analyse data from sources on the World Wide Web, and use computer spreadsheets to investigate some of the theoretical ideas that are presented in the course. The web also provides a source of up-to-date information about planetary geology, space missions and experiments.
An introduction to astrobiology: the Earth, given our present state of knowledge, is unique in that it sustains a diverse range of life. But how do we build a habitable planet and what are the chances of other Earth-like planets elsewhere in the Universe? These are the exciting topics of a new and rapidly changing field of planetary science known as astrobiology. We begin this module with a look at how life might have arisen on Earth, where the basic building blocks for life came from and how widespread these might be in the Universe. You will learn about other bodies in our own solar system that may have had the right conditions for life, and examine how we might go about deciding if there is, or has ever been, life elsewhere in the solar system. Moving on from our own solar system, we will examine the evidence for planets around other stars and consider whether any of these may be capable of sustaining life. Finally, we will examine the possibility of intelligent life existing elsewhere in the Universe and look at humankind’s attempts to search for it.
Associated residential school course
The 10-point residential school course Observing the Universe (SXR208) offers practical experience and tuition in observing data-processing and interpretation that support the academic aims of this course. If you decide to attend the residential school, you must register for SXR208 separately, for which an additional fee is payable.
Entry
The course is intended for a wide range of people, so the amount of mathematics is modest: it includes simple algebra and graphs; powers of ten; graphs showing relationships between values of two quantities. Angles measured in both degrees and radians, and the sine and cosine of an angle occur in the text in several places. Several algebraic equations are used, but you have to manipulate only a handful of fairly simple equations. You must be able to put values into algebraic equations to obtain a result, and we give you practice in solving such problems. You do not have to remember equations and the values of physical constants, as they will be given in the examination paper. You must be competent with a scientific calculator; if you are not, you will need to refer to your calculator manual.
With proper preparation, this course is suitable for those who want to develop their understanding of planetary science: anyone who has a general interest; amateur geologists and astronomers; and schoolteachers (at all levels) who want to use the enormous appeal of the subject matter to enhance their teaching of science.
You are not expected to have any knowledge of planetary science, but we recommend that you do not attempt this course without a sound knowledge of science from our Level 1 courses. As a bare minimum, you should have either a good O-level pass, or a GCSE at level B or above, or an equivalent qualification in a science subject and mathematics.
A pass in Exploring science (S104) (or the discontinued course S103) will provide appropriate science and maths preparation, though if you are not confident in your maths ability then you should also study Maths for science (S151). Using mathematics (MST121) is another option for meeting the maths requirement; this exceeds the level of mathematics required for S283, but you will need to study this course if you are planning to study Level 3 courses in physics and astronomy. Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116) (or the discontinued course T172) provides another entry route, though again you may need to study S151 or MST121 to develop the necessary maths skills. Prior study of the short course Planets: an introduction (S196) will provide familiarity with some of the subject matter and skills to be developed in S283, but is not essential.
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 has produced a booklet Are You Ready For S283? to help you to decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the course or whether you need a little extra preparation. This can be viewed or printed from the Are you ready for science? website. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
S283 is a compulsory course in our:
S283 is an optional course in our:
- BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (B16)
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Molecular Science (B26)
- BSc (Honours) Physical Science (B27)
- BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Physics (B56)
- Diploma in Natural Sciences (D47)
- Diploma in Geosciences (E02)
- Diploma in Molecular Science (E03)
- Diploma in Physical Science (E04)
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.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
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. You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer and the internet. If you have severely impaired sight, you might not be able to make full use of the computer-based resources or complete some of the activities without a sighted assistant. You can obtain more advice from the S283 course manager.
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, DVD-ROMs, course website holding other essential course materials, e.g. activity instructions and assignments, that you may choose to print out.
You will need
A scientific calculator.
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
The course is taught via a combination of online and face to face tutorials. You will have a personal tutor and you will be a member of a tutorial group. You will have extensive communications with your tutor and fellow students through email and conferencing. If you are new to the OU, you will find that your tutor will be 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 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.
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can download our Recognition leaflet 3.8 Scientific Institutions or ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for a copy.
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 November 2010. We expect it to be available once a year in November.
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.
Student Reviews
I have mixed views about this course. There is quite a lot of geology in it, especially in the early ...
Read more
I chose S283 as my first Level 2 course and my first step towards the Certificate in Astronomy and Planetary ...
Read more
Course satisfaction survey
See the satisfaction survey results for this course.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
Browse the prospectus
Request a print prospectus
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.