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The Open University

Diploma

Code
E03
Level
Undergraduate
Made up of
130 points

Description

This diploma provides evidence of achievement along similar lines to the BSc (Hons) Molecular Science, but at pre-degree level for students who wish to use it for career purposes before their degree is complete, or who want to obtain an interim qualification on their way to a full degree.

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Planning your studies

The Diploma in Molecular Science is made up of Level 2 and Level 3 courses taken from our undergraduate programme. There are no entry requirements but you must be suitably prepared for study at that level. The normal preparation would be the Level 1 course Exploring science (S104). Alternatively, you may choose to start with one or more of the relevant Level 1 science short courses and then go on to S104 subsequently.

You can register your intention to study for the diploma when you reserve your place on individual courses, or you can ask us at any time to link courses that you have already studied towards the diploma. This gives you the flexibility to delay your decision or to change your mind as your studies progress. However, there are significant advantages and no disadvantages to linking as early as possible in your studies. One advantage is that, once linked, we can provide you with additional programme-based support.

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 40 points from OU courses that have not been counted in any other OU diploma or first degree that you may have been awarded.

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Courses

For this 130-point diploma you require:

70 points from the following compulsory courses:

Level 2 compulsory courses Points Next start
Exploring the molecular world (SXR205) *

Learn practical experimentation, problem-solving, recording and reporting techniques in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry at this one-week residential-school, which complements The molecular world (S205).

See full description.

10 May 2010
The molecular world (S205)

This course offers a broad introduction to modern chemistry and its applications, integrating the three main branches of chemistry: organic, inorganic, and physical.

See full description.

60 Oct 2010

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses S246 and S247

*Students who satisfactorily attended the residential school, CHEM 999, that was previously a component of S246 and S247 may count this instead and will need only 60 points from this category, and 120 points overall for this diploma

And at least 60 points from the following Level 2 and 3 optional courses with a minimum of 30 of these points at Level 2. All 60 points in this category can be taken from Level 2 courses if you wish.

Level 2 optional courses Points Next start
Astronomy (S282)

This introductory astronomy course looks at the structure of stars and their life cycles, galaxies and quasars, and the origin and evolution of our universe.

See full description.

30 Feb 2010
Environmental science (S216)

This wide-ranging course draws together biology, chemistry, Earth science and physics. It fosters a holistic approach, studying the processes that link together different environments.

See full description.

60 Feb 2010
Environmental science in the field (SXR216)

Gain practical observational, data gathering and analytical skills for studying landforms, soils, water and vegetation in this in this one-week, field-based environmental science residential school.

See full description.

10 Apr 2010
Our dynamic planet: Earth and life (S279)

This course explores the structure of the Earth from its core to the atmosphere, and investigates how the Earth system works from a geological perspective.

See full description.

30 Feb 2010
Planetary science and the search for life (S283)

Explore how our solar system formed and has evolved, and the rapidly-changing field of astrobiology – could there be intelligent life elsewhere in the universe?

See full description.

30 Feb 2010
Science in context (S250)

This course covers interesting, contemporary issues with a scientific dimension: BSE/vCJD; near-Earth objects; water and well-being; medicinal plants; climate change; genetic manipulation and nanotechnology.

See full description.

30 Jan 2010
Level 3 optional courses Points Next start
Chemical change and environmental applications (S345) NEW

Learn about the factors that cause and direct chemical reactions – from those in a car exhaust to those in the complex natural system of the atmosphere.

See full description.

20 May 2010
Drug design and synthesis (S346)

Explores the complex process involved in the discovery, design, development and synthesis of new drugs for use in healthcare and disease-prevention.

See full description.

20 Oct 2010
Metals and life (S347)

Examine the vital role metals play in living systems and their processes - for example in respiration and photosynthesis – and consider their increasing significance in medicine.

See full description.

20 Oct 2010
Molecular and cell biology (S377)

Examine the processes common to all life forms, with emphasis on animal cell biology, learning about molecular biology and cell functions, differentiation, ageing and tumorigenesis.

See full description.

30 Feb 2010
Oceanography (S330)

Oceans cover seventy percent of the Earth’s surface. This course investigates their physics, chemistry and biology, and the structure of the basins that contain them.

See full description.

30 Feb 2010
Organic synthesis: strategy and techniques (SXR344)

Undertake an intensive laboratory-based project, learning experimental methods and principles involved in the multi-step synthesis of organic compounds in this one-week residential course.

See full description.

10 May 2010 FINAL
Physical chemistry: measurement of chemical change (SXR342)
10
Science project course: frontiers in chemistry (SXM390)

Investigate and produce an in-depth project about molecular science within a range of defined topics: combinatorial chemistry, fuel cells, nanotechnology, biopolymers, porous materials or transactinides.

See full description.

30 Feb 2010
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)

Investigate how we interact with our environment through our senses – using concepts from biology, chemistry, physics and psychology to explore the process psychologists call ‘perception’.

See full description.

30 Feb 2010
Transition metal chemistry: synthesis and structure (SXR343)
10

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, at Level 2 the discontinued courses S268, S269, S278, S280, S281, S293, ST240, at Level 3 the discontinued courses S327, S328, S342, S343, S344

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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 courses you will be awarded a Diploma in Molecular 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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