Environmental science in the field
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This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
This one-week, field-based residential school introduces practical skills for the study of environmental science. You’ll visit various sites where you’ll apply your knowledge of biology, chemistry, Earth science and physics to study interactions and feedback in the environment – including landforms, soils, water and vegetation. You’ll then analyse your observations and data in supporting laboratory sessions. You’ll complete one assessment during the week and another after, based on the activities you undertook. The school offers a choice of dates and sites, from May to August – register early if you have a preference as unfortunately we can’t always offer your first choice.
Course content
The school programme concentrates on interactions and feedbacks in the environment, including landforms, soil types, water quality, vegetation and anthropogenic influences. Tutorials and laboratory sessions support the field studies. The course includes a book that you will work with before, during and after the school; it introduces the field techniques that you will be using. There is also assessment material to complete, for which you should allow about thirty hours of study time.
At the school you will spend most of each day out in the field, where you undertake exercises in observation, sampling, recording, measurement and mapping. The evenings are occupied by laboratory analysis of field samples, interpretation of your data and observations, and group discussions. You will have an introduction to statistics for interpreting your data. During the week, there will be a computer-marked assignment taken under examination conditions and there is a second assignment to complete after the school, in which you report on a small group project that you undertook at the school.
There is a choice of residential school weeks, between May and August. You will be asked to choose your residential school when you register on the course. Places are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so you should register as early as you can. Please note that you will be asked to share a room at the residential school. See our Residential Schools website for more information.
Entry
This course complements the 60-point course Environmental science (S216), and ideally would be taken at the same time as, or in the year following, your study of that course. It builds on knowledge and skills from S216, so you are strongly advised not to take it unless you are also taking (or have already passed) S216. If you already have some knowledge of environmental science, you might be able to complete the residential school course without studying S216.
At the residential school many hours are spent collecting data in the field, so if you are unused to outdoor exercise and conditions, this course might not be a suitable choice.
See the SXR216 Course Team website for further information about the residential school programme and venues.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Preparatory work
The early part (Blocks 1-4) of Environmental science (S216) is ideal preparation.
Qualifications
SXR216 is a compulsory course in our:
SXR216 is an optional course in our:
- BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (B16)
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Life Sciences (B28)
- BSc (Honours) Molecular Science (B26)
- BSc (Honours) Physical Science (B27)
- BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Physics (B56)
- Diploma in Geosciences (E02)
- Diploma in Physical Science (E04)
- Diploma in Life Sciences (E05)
- Diploma in Molecular Science (E03)
- Diploma in Natural Sciences (D47)
- Diploma in Physical Science (E04)
It can also count for 10 points 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 award descriptions for information on the circumstances in which the course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements of a qualification 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. At the residential school you will be required to make and record observations in the field and to reinforce this with experimental and microscope work in the laboratory. Good manual dexterity and visual acuity are required. The fieldwork means traversing a variety of terrains (often rough) and is likely to be extremely challenging – or even unsafe – if your mobility is significantly restricted, or if you have a severe medical condition. You will be in the field for six full days in all weathers, and you may need to walk several kilometres during the day. There may be some coach trips to field localities, although most fieldwork will be conducted close to the field centre.
The weeks held at Preston Montford will have special arrangements for students with severe additional requirements, particularly those involving mobility; if this would suit you, you should make every effort to attend one of these weeks as no special arrangements can be made at either of the other two centres. You are strongly advised to consult our Student Registration & Enquiry Service, the Disability Resources Team or the SXR216 course manager (telephone +44 (0)1908 655027) for advice before registering on this course. After you have registered you will receive detailed information about the residential school site and the facilities available to help with the academic programme.
Since the course assessment tests knowledge and skills gained from the fieldwork activities, it is not possible to be granted excusal from attendance at the residential school.
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 booklets Meeting Your Needs and Meeting your residential school 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, other printed materials; residential week at a field study centre.
You will need
Outdoor clothing suitable for sustained inclement weather, and adequate footwear for wet, slippery ground and shallow water. Specialist equipment for the fieldwork will be provided.
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 at the residential school who will give you advice and support. There are no other tutorials. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
There will be two assignments, one assessing the course materials and your fieldwork at the residential school (taken under examination conditions) and the other in the form of a project report that you prepare after the school, and submit on paper. You will be required to use your field and laboratory notes from the school to complete each of these assignments. To pass the course you must pass the assessment, as well as participating satisfactorily in the fieldwork and other activities at the school.
Professional recognition
The 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 May 2010 and May 2011. We expect it to be available once 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.
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Student Reviews
A "must-do" if you are doing S216, and a great course in it's own right as well. Be prepared! You ...
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A brilliant course on practical environmental science. I enjoyed myself very much and I learned a great deal at the ...
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