Introducing environment
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| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-course assessment | No residential school |
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Summary
Environmental concerns often appear in the news, and it can be difficult to tell what matters, or what choices we have. If you’re interested in the environment, this introductory course provides a friendly introduction to a complicated subject – equipping you with some important concepts. Focusing upon scientific and technological aspects of the environment, you will consider the effects of human activities, such as farming. Topics include the biology of ecosystems and food chains, biodiversity, ecological sustainability and fossil fuels. As you work through the course, you’ll also develop valuable study skills that will prepare you for further degree level study.
Course content
The course will be ideal if you’re a beginner with little previous scientific knowledge, and would like to develop your general study skills. It raises your awareness of the issues, and builds your confidence in evaluating and using evidence. The course will also help develop your writing skills, including the use of information to support an argument. You do not need extensive mathematical knowledge – the emphasis is on interpreting graphs and charts and comparing data, rather than calculations.
The course develops three main areas:
- improving your knowledge of technological and scientific aspects of the environment
- improving your communication in writing, including using information to construct an argument and using information from graphs, charts and diagrams
- practising general study skills and reflecting on your own learning, to help you become an effective learner.
The course assumes that you have no previous scientific knowledge, so specialist terms such as biosphere, ecosystem and species are explained as they are needed. Starting with biology, the early chapters of the course book explain ecological ideas. Varied examples are used to describe interrelationships between plants, animals and the wider environment. You will learn about the unique role of humans, and some ways in which we have changed the environment to suit our needs, for instance, through farming or conservation.
The later chapters of the book move onto a more technological approach. These consider how we can tell what effect current lifestyles have upon the environment. The ecological footprint model (ecofootprint) is explained with detailed examples, showing how our use of resources can affect the environment. Finally, schemes to reduce environmental impact show how a more sustainable lifestyle can work for a household, a community or a city.
The course includes a DVD with about an hour each of subject-specific audio and video. This includes audio interviews with experts in scientific writing, composting and conservation, and video about carbon dioxide emissions and sustainable housing. In addition, a generic study skills section supports your development with contributions from other OU students, describing their experiences and offering advice.
The course materials have been prepared with the needs of new learners in mind. They assume no special knowledge and no experience of studying. Taking examples and issues that have appeared in the news, they enable you to start from your general knowledge and interest and gradually build up to degree-level study. Study skills are central to the course, including time management, reading for study purposes, making notes, writing, and reflection on your own learning. There is a study checklist at the end of each chapter, to help you organise your work.
Entry
There are no entry requirements. The course is designed for you if you have not studied before, or studied a long time ago.
Introducing environment would be helpful if you are interested in going on to an Open University Level 1 course such as Exploring science (S104) and Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116).
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
This course can count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or 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
There is a high visual content in much of the course material, but the printed material is available as audio with verbal descriptions of the diagrams and mathematical calculations etc. included. The printed course material is also available in comb-bound format. Written transcripts are available for any audio components. Large print versions of the printed course material can be provided on request. 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
Course books and a DVD.
You will need
Access to a telephone (preferably a landline) for contact with your tutor, the equipment to watch a DVD e.g. DVD player and television or PC with a DVD-ROM.
A computer is not essential to study an Openings course. However, if you wish to send and receive emails and use our online service, you will need access to both the internet and a computer.
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 who will keep in touch by telephone. There are no face-to-face tutorials; all tutorials are conducted by telephone. Your tutor will help you to plan your work and to think about the ideas explored in the course. Your tutor will also comment on and help you with your written work. At the end of the course you will discuss your progress with your tutor, and you will work together to produce a review of your study plans.
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.
You will also be asked to submit an end-of-course assessment (ECA) as well as a learning plan and review. If you submit at least one TMA and achieve the appropriate standard in the ECA you will gain 10 credit points at Level 1 that can count towards a degree.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The course starts four times a year, in March, June, September, and November. Each course lasts for a maximum of 20 weeks although you can take less time if you prefer.
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, Engineering and Technology and Science.
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