BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences: pathway

Stage 1

You’ll begin your studies with the compulsory 60-credit introductory 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.Q64-1,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:

• biology and health sciences
• chemistry and analytical science
• Earth and environmental sciences
• physics
• astronomy and planetary science.

Using a blend of text and online study materials, this wide-ranging module investigates the major scientific issues affecting contemporary society. You’ll explore the fundamentals of modern science, and develop important scientific concepts and skills to give you a solid basis for higher level study.

You’ll 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.Q64-1,module,S141,,1. 

You’ll also choose one of four 30-credit modules according to your particular scientific interest:

• Introducing health sciences: a case study approach (SDK125)Introducing health sciences: a case study approach::This introductory Level 1 course explores the scientific and social aspects of disease and disability in a global context through seven case studies: water and health in an overcrowded world; pain; alcohol; screening for breast cancer; chronic lung disease; trauma and accidents; and visual impairment. Each case study integrates the biological, chemical, and physical sciences with psychology, health statistics, and social studies to illuminate underlying causes and personal and societal consequences. You’ll develop skills in: evaluating evidence; understanding and using key scientific terms and concepts; handling numbers; and interpreting graphs and tables. You’ll also learn to study using ICT – including interactive DVDs, internet and online resources.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-1,module,SDK125,,1
• Topics in science (S142)Topics in science::In this course you will study three exciting topics in contemporary science which will provide you with a broad understanding of Level 1 science. These topics include Human genetics and health issues, which deals with our genes – an area at the forefront of medical science and Empire of the microbes, which explores the intriguing world of bacteria, viruses, yeast and other microscopic organisms. To allow some specialisation between studying health sciences or environmental sciences you will have a choice between Molecules, medicines and drugs, which explores drug development, infection and disease and The frozen planet, which explains the science behind the polar regions.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-1,module,S142,,1
• Topics in health sciences (SK143)Topics in health sciences::This course gives an overview of two medical conditions that present a major global health problem; cardiovascular disease and cancer. Many of us will encounter these medical conditions either through professional involvement in health, or through affected family members or friends. Your study of cardiovascular diseases will develop your understanding of heart and circulatory diseases, and the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system. Cancers result from defects in cell proliferation, so you’ll study the properties of cells, how they divide and how tumours are formed and spread. Both topics consider risk factors and methods of detection, treatment and prevention worldwide.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-1,module,SK143,,1
• 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.Q64-1,module,MST121,,1 or from February 2014 Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)Essential mathematics 1::This key introductory course provides a broad and enjoyable foundation for university-level mathematics, but you do require some prior knowledge. It teaches you the essential ideas and techniques that underpin university-level study in mathematics and mathematical subjects such as physics, engineering and economics. You’ll study a range of fundamental topics – including calculus, vectors, matrices and complex numbers – and use mathematical software to solve problems. You’ll also develop your skills in communicating results and defining problems. This is not a course for beginners. Our MathsChoices website (mathschoices.open.ac.uk) contains quizzes, sample material and advice to help you decide if this is the right course for you.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-1,module,MST124,,1. 

Alternatively, you could choose 30 credits from a non-science module if you prefer.

Stage 2

At Stage 2, you can continue with a broad approach to science, combining modules from different subject areas, or focus on one subject (choosing from biology and health sciences; chemistry and analytical sciences; Earth sciences; environmental sciences; physics; or astronomy and planetary science).

You must also study one module from our Practical science series, designed to develop the skills needed for scientific practical work – individually and in groups. You’ll cover:

• planning and conducting observations and experiments
• data handling
• data presentation
• report writing
• safe working
• professional team-working.

You’ll be working with other students online or, in some cases, at laboratory or field sites in the UK – gaining valuable experience of innovative and stimulating immersive technologies in practical science – and you’ll finish with an exciting team project where you’ll collaborate with students from other modules in this Practical science series.

Throughout your Stage 2 studies you’ll continue to develop your analytical, numerical, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Stage 3

You can start Stage 3 with options from a wide range of modules in:

• biology and health sciences
• chemistry
• Earth and environmental sciences
• physics
• astronomy and planetary science
• mathematics.

However by this stage of your studies, you’re likely to be narrowing your focus and your choice will be influenced by the modules you studied at Stage 2.

You’ll complete your degree with a project module based on your earlier Stage 3 study.