BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Physics: Science pathway

Stage 1

You’ll begin your studies with the compulsory 60-credit science module, Exploring science (S104)Exploring science::This key introductory Level 1 course is an ideal starting point for studying the natural sciences – astronomy and planetary science; biology; chemistry, earth and environmental science; and physics. Using a blend of text and online study materials, this wide-ranging course investigates the major scientific issues affecting human society in the twenty-first century. You will explore the fundamentals of modern science and develop important scientific concepts and skills to give you a solid foundation for studying science at a higher level. You should have some basic mathematical skills and knowledge of basic science concepts before you begin.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q56-2,module,S104,,1. You’ll develop your study skills while engaging with a broad and absorbing introduction to a range of science subject areas, including:

• astronomy and planetary science
• biology
• chemistry
• earth and environmental science
• physics.

This module will also provide you with the scientific knowledge needed to teach across the science curriculum at Key Stage 3.

You’ll then be introduced to practical science through the compulsory 30-credit module Investigative and mathematical skills in science (S141)Investigative and mathematical skills in science::Designed to follow our key introductory course in science – Exploring science (S104) – this course focuses on developing your experimental, investigative and mathematical skills. You’ll gain confidence in using mathematics as a scientific tool by working through questions in a study book with worked examples. You’ll investigate weather patterns and events around the world, and develop your observational skills by studying your local weather to make your own short-term forecast. And you’ll learn key scientific skills by doing experiments at home, and working online with a small group to discuss experimental design, collect data and compare results.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q56-2,module,S141,,1.The experience gained will be particularly valuable for developing your confidence in carrying out practical work with pupils in school.

The final compulsory module, Using mathematics (MST121)Using mathematics::This broad, enjoyable introduction to university-level mathematics assumes some prior knowledge, as described on our MathsChoices website. The course shows how mathematics can be applied to answer some key questions from science, technology, and everyday life. You will study a range of fundamental techniques, including calculus, recurrence relations, matrices and vectors and statistics, and use integrated specialist mathematical software to solve problems. The skills of communicating results and defining problems are also developed. This is not a course for beginners – at the MathsChoices website (mathschoices.open.ac.uk) there are quizzes, sample material and advice to help you determine if this course is right for you.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q56-2,module,MST121,,1 (30 credits), provides a broad, enjoyable introduction to university-level mathematics. It shows how mathematics can be applied to answer questions from science, technology and everyday life, and will give you a good foundation for further study.

Stage 2

At Stage 2, you’ll study two compulsory modules designed to give you the core knowledge needed to teach physics at higher levels in school. They’ll also provide a firm foundation for Stage 3 physics if you do not continue on to the ITE course.

The physical world (S207)The physical world::If you intend to take only one course in physics, it should be this one. It will give you an essential view of the whole subject. Physics is perhaps the most exciting intellectual adventure of our age – discoveries being made now will change your life, and learning physics will change the way you think about the world. This wide-ranging introduction to physics and its applications covers classical mechanics; thermal physics and fluids; fields, waves and electromagnetism; relativity; and quantum physics (including solids, atoms, nuclei and particles) – setting many of them in their historical context so that you can appreciate the evolution of the subject.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q56-2,module,S207,,1 (60 credits) is a wide-ranging introduction to physics and its applications covers classical mechanics; thermal physics and fluids; fields, waves and electromagnetism; relativity; and quantum physics (including solids, atoms, nuclei and particles) – setting many of them in their historical context so that you can appreciate the evolution of the subject.

Practical science: physics and astronomy (SXP288)Practical science: physics and astronomy::The activities in this practical science course offer a choice of topics in physics and astronomy as diverse as the properties of electrons and the likelihood of life on other planets. Online – from the comfort of your own home – you’ll have the opportunity to use equipment ranging from a bench-top NMR spectrometer to an astronomical telescope in Mallorca. Or you can attend a three-night residential school in Mallorca – the cost of the accommodation and travel to Mallorca is not included in the course fee. The course ends with an exciting team project, where you will work with students from other courses in this Practical science series.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q56-2,module,SXP288,,1 (30 credits) is an online module that develops essential skills for practical work. You’ll carry out practical activities that you can do online and in and around your own home, or through an optional residential school.

In this pathway, you’ll also choose a 30-credit science module from a list of options, which are compatible with the BSc (Hons) Natural Science degree. You’ll be able to broaden your knowledge and understanding of your chosen area of science, and prepare for studying further modules at Stage 3 if you do not continue on to the ITE course.

Stage 3

Stage 3 of this degree is the ITE course, which has been rated as outstanding by Ofsted. It will provide a rigorous and rewarding preparation for the teaching profession, working with partner schools and with the support of a tutor and mentor. The course allows flexible patterns of study – normally over a period of between one and two years. You’ll study the theory that underpins effective teaching, and apply your learning in practice during three continuous periods of teaching in two schools. Your study will be organised around six strands:

• science, schools and the wider context
• understanding pupils and their learning
• planning and evaluation
• teaching strategies and classroom management
• assessment, recording and reporting
• the wider professional role.

Online forums will enable you to take part in discussions about your subject and teaching with other student teachers. Your teaching will be assessed against the national Standards for Qualified Teacher Status; and your understanding of the study and analytic skills will be assessed through assignments linked to your school experience.

We recommend that you do not apply for this Stage 3 ITE course until you’re within six months of being ready and able to proceed.