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The Open University

Certificate

Code
C70
Level
Undergraduate
Made up of
60 credit points

Description

This certificate aims to encourage a broad interest in science and to develop your skills as an independent learner. You can dip into subjects as diverse as human nutrition, genetics and health, archaeology, life in the oceans, fossils and the history of life, weather and astronomy.

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Planning your studies

The Certificate in Contemporary Science can be awarded when you have completed 60 points of study from the courses below and/or from any new Level 1 courses that may be included in the Science Short Course Programme in the future.

There is no time limit for obtaining the required credit points for this qualification unless you are including discontinued courses which may cease to be countable at some point after their final presentation. You must include at least 20 points from OU or collaborative scheme courses that have not been counted in any other OU certificate, diploma or first degree you may have been awarded.

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Courses

For this certificate you require:

60 points from the following optional courses:

Level 1 optional courses Points Next start
Archaeology: the science of investigation (SA188)

Develops your awareness of the role of scientific investigation in archaeology and how it provides new insights into the evolution of past cultures and societies.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Chance, risk and health (SMK184)

Introduces some of the main ideas of modern statistics and explores the role of statistics in science generally and medicine in particular.

See full description.

10
Darwin and evolution (S170)

Explore Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, set out in his book On the Origin of Species, and its consequences for life today.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Elements of forensic science (S187)

Explore how forensic scientists work and how chemistry, DNA and genetics are used in crime scene investigations.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Empire of the microbes (S171)

Explore the extraordinary world of microbes – the history of their discovery, their practical uses and even the possibility of their discovery on other planets.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Fossils and the history of life (S193)

Discover how organisms become fossilised, how to identify the common fossils you are likely to find and where they fit into the story of evolution.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
How the Universe works (S197)

This short, lively introduction to cosmology and particle physics will develop your understanding of astronomy, space and the universe – past, present and future.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Human genetics and health issues (SK195)

Examines DNA, how genes function, genetic diseases, the Human Genome Project and some of the biological, medical and ethical issues surrounding research into genes.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Introducing astronomy (S194)

Explore astronomy and be amazed by planets, stars, stellar explosions, distant galaxies, extraterrestrial life, and the ‘big bang’ theory of the origin of the Universe.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Life in the oceans: exploring our blue planet (S180)

A fascinating voyage into the oceans; explore the seas and marine environments using material from the spectacular Blue Planet BBC TV series.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Maths for science (S151)

This introductory course will develop your confidence in using mathematics as a tool in science.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Molecules, medicines and drugs: a chemical story (SK185)

Explores the discovery and development of a range of drugs and medicines that relieve pain, alleviate symptoms, minimise the risk of infection and effect cures.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Planets: an introduction (S196)

Learn about the planets and planet-sized objects that orbit the Sun, and delve into our advancing knowledge of the planets of other stars.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Practising science (SXR103) *

This residential school offers hands-on experience of laboratory and field work in biology, chemistry, Earth sciences and physics – building your confidence and learning practical techniques.

See full description.

10 Jun 2010
Science starts here (S154) *

This gentle introduction to maths and science teaches basic concepts and skills through a fascinating exploration of the role water plays in sustaining life.

See full description.

10 Mar 2010
Scientific investigations (S155) NEW *

Learn to design, plan and carry out experiments and interpret the results, and develop key practical scientific skills.

See full description.

10 Oct 2010
Sport: the science behind the medals (S172) NEW

Examine the roles that science and technology play in modern sport and develop an understanding of the scientific concepts that underpin many Olympic events.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Understanding human nutrition (SK183)

Learn about the components of the human diet, how our bodies process food and the links between diet and various health issues.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010
Understanding the weather (S189)

Learn about weather patterns, the physical processes that determine the weather, and the extent to which they can be forecast.

See full description.

Feb 2010
Volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis (S186)

Discover how and why earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions occur and what outcomes they have.

See full description.

10 Feb 2010

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses S182, S190, S191, S195, S198, S199.

* Please note you can only count 2 of these 3 courses towards this qualification.

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Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills

Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.

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Credit for previous study elsewhere

For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.

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On completion

On successful completion of the required course you will be awarded a Certificate in Contemporary Science.

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Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.

Award Regulations

Student Regulations

The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.

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How to register

To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.

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About this page

An undergraduate qualification in Science.

Study explained

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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