Practising science
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This course is built around a one-week residential school which provides hands-on experience of working with laboratory and field equipment, and builds your confidence in practical techniques across a range of science disciplines – biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, ecology and physics. It introduces the skills of recording, reporting and interpreting data and literature and web-based research. You’ll also develop team-working, problem solving and oral communication skills. There is pre-school preparation, and an end-of-module assessment afterwards. The school is held in Brighton with a choice of dates in July – register early if you have a preference, as unfortunately we can’t always offer your first choice.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | SXR103 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| End-of-module assessment |
| 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
Throughout the school you will be working in science laboratories and at field sites, with students who have similar interests to your own. There will also be a programme of evening tutorials and workshops.
Before the school there is around 30 hours of preparatory study to do (working through the Practising Science Study Book, attempting self-assessment questions, and looking at workbooks used at the school), so that you have the theoretical background you need to participate satisfactorily in the investigations. After the school you will be required to complete an end-of-module assessment (EMA) based on this preparatory study and the work you have carried out during the residential week. This EMA is submitted at the start of September.
The school will be held at the University of Sussex (Brighton). You will be asked to choose your preferred week when you register for the course. Places are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so you should register as soon as you can. See our Residential Schools website for more information.
Entry
Practising science:
- complements the 60-credit introductory science course Exploring science (S104), and is particularly suitable if you’re taking that course or have already taken it
- complements the 10-credit science course Scientific investigations (S155)
- provides good preparation for the site-specific units in the suite of Level 2 Practical science courses
You should have basic mathematical skills (including drawing and interpreting graphs, and measurement and use of angles, using degrees). You should also have an understanding of basic scientific concepts, especially in chemistry and biology. Both skill sets are covered in Exploring science (S104).
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 SXR103? 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 Science Faculty website. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Every effort will be made to accommodate disabilities at the school. Extra support will be available to students with additional requirements in the residential school weeks. Because of the essentially visual nature of the investigations and the observational skills required, the course may be challenging if your sight is severely impaired. The laboratories are accessible to wheelchair users, but if you have impaired mobility you may have difficulty accessing some/all of the field locations. At the school, an interactive study DVD, based on these locations, will help you to achieve the learning outcomes for the fieldwork. All meals are provided, including a picnic lunch for the day you do the field trip. If you have food intolerances or allergies or need a special diet for any other medical reason then this can be arranged but only if you make this known to us in advance. Please contact your regional or national centre to advise us of any disabilities or additional requirements.
After you have registered for this course you will receive detailed information about the residential school sites and the facilities available to help with the academic programme. The study materials are available on audio in DAISY Digital Talking Book format. The written study material is available in comb-bound format. Written transcripts of audio-visual material are available. 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 publications Meeting your needs and Meeting your residential school 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
You will need
Scientific calculator. While laboratory coats will be provided you are welcome to bring your own. Sturdy footwear (e.g. trainers with a good grip, not smooth soled) for the fieldtrip, sensible footwear for laboratory work (high-heeled shoes or shoes that do not completely cover your toes are not suitable). Waterproof clothing in case of wet weather on the field trip.
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 give you advice and support throughout the school. Support will also be provided after the school (via a telephone helpline and online forum) to help you prepare the end-of-module assessment (EMA). You will have tuition from specialist tutors during each of the laboratory and field activities.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
There is an end-of-module assessment (EMA) to be completed after the school and submitted online or by post at the start of September. To pass the course you must pass this assessment, and participate satisfactorily in all the activities at the residential school.
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 May 2012 when it will be available for the last time.
Although you are not required to attend the residential school until July, you should be aware that there is around 30 hours of preparatory work which you must complete before your residential school week begins.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | SXR103 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| End-of-module assessment |
| 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
I found that SXR103 was a very enjoyable module. Pesonally I am not a great fan of ecology and geology, ...
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I really enjoyed this week at Sussex University. My lovely en-suite room was the nicest I've had at a residential. ...
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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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