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.Q64-5,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.Q64-5,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.Q64-5,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.Q64-5,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.Q64-5,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.Q64-5,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.Q64-5,module,MST124,,1.

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

Stage 2

You’ll start Stage 2 with the 60-credit module Environmental science (S216)Environmental science::This broad course draws together biology, chemistry, Earth science and physics. You will develop a holistic approach encompassing the processes, links, interactions and feedback mechanisms that operate within different environments. Two multimedia interactive field trips feature in the course, in which you explore an area visually, observe habitats, gather data and analyse your observations. By the end of the course you will be able to ‘lead’ a group of students through a new virtual environment; make critical analyses of landforms, soils and water flows; identify habitats of flora and fauna; and comment on anthropogenic influences and their likely consequences.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,S216,,1 which focuses on global warming, water resources, pollution and conservation. Investigating the whole of our environment – Earth, air, water and life – you’ll cover topics such as landforms, habitats, flora, fauna, the chemical and physical weathering of rocks, and extreme weather. Multimedia interactive virtual field trips will help you observe habitats and gather data.

Next, you can choose to study one of three 30-credit options. Geology (S276)Geology::Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, its origin, structure, processes and composition. This wide-ranging course introduces the fundamentals of geology in an exciting way, as well as the practical skills needed to understand and interpret geological features and processes. It covers five main areas: description and identification of minerals and rocks; interpretation of geological maps; the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their associated structures; fossils; and sedimentary processes and environments. In addition to course texts, you’ll receive a returnable home kit (with maps, rocks, minerals and fossils) and teaching materials on DVD (including a new digital kit and virtual microscope).undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,S276,,1 includes the identification of minerals and rocks; geological mapping; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes; and fossils – or set your studies in broader scientific topics such as: BSE/vCJD; near-Earth objects and the impact hazard; climate change; genetic manipulation; and nanotechnology which are all covered in the module Science in context (S250)Science in context::This course covers a range of interesting, contemporary issues with a scientific dimension: BSE/vCJD; near-Earth objects; water and wellbeing; climate change; genetic manipulation and nanotechnology. It deals with the underlying science and its ‘real world’ relevance. The topics are analysed in terms of four themes: communication; risk; ethical issues; and decision-making. The course will equip you to examine critically similar issues that might arise in future. You are assumed to have studied a range of scientific disciplines at Level 1 and to have an interest in science in its broad social context.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,S250,,1. Or you can investigate how analytical science contributes to improving the quality of our lives, in Analytical science: health, heritage and environments (S240)Analytical science: health, heritage and environments::Have you ever wondered … How are sport drug cheats caught? How many calories are there in a burger? How do pregnancy testing kits work? How old is the Earth? How do X-rays work? How are antiquities dated? How do we know our water is safe to drink? How are diseases diagnosed? This course explains how analytical scientists know the answers to these and other fascinating questions, and introduces the major concepts in analytical science. Using examples from medicine, science and the arts you will learn about the major biological, chemical and physical techniques employed in improving the quality of our lives.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,S240,,1.

Your final study at Stage 2 will develop the practical science skills to complement these modules, with either Practical science: Earth and environment (SXG288)Practical science: Earth and environment::The activities in this practical science course offer a choice of topics about the Earth and environments. Some, such as the investigation of the quality of water resources, examination of meteorites and the use of satellite data to investigate the environmental geology of Cyprus can be done from the comfort of your own home. You can also opt to attend field trips at two residential venues in northern England – the cost of accommodation and travel 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.Q64-5,module,SXG288,,1 or Practical environmental science (SXE288)Practical environmental science::Practical environmental science explores the natural world through activities ranging from the use of satellite data for mapping land cover change to exploring the hydrology of a limestone pavement. The activities include two compulsory residential field trips and two online activities carried out in your home. The course ends with an exciting team project, where you will work with students from other courses in this Practical science series. Although there’s a choice of residential school dates, we can’t always offer your first choice. The cost of accommodation and travel is not included in the course fee.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,SXE288,,1. 

Stage 3

Stage 3 begins with core environmental sciences study. You’ll explore the interactions between organisms and their environment that together form an ecosystem – from simple microbial communities to entire rainforests, and even the Earth itself in Ecosystems (S396)Ecosystems::This course considers the interactions between organisms and their environment that together form an ecosystem – which can range from a simple microbial community to the biodiverse rainforests of the tropics. Even the Earth as a whole may be considered an ecosystem. You’ll develop your understanding of the terrestrial environment as a habitat for a vast array of different organisms; the connections between them and their surroundings; and their resilience to anthropogenic changes – such as pollution and climate change. You’ll also gain practical experience in ecosystem science – making observations in your locality, and through extensive use of models to investigate processes essential to supporting life on Earth.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,S396,,1 (30 credits). Next you can choose either two 30-credit modules – The geological record of environmental change (S369)The geological record of environmental change::This course explores how we can track environmental change through the geological record. It begins with the sedimentary sequences produced by changes in relative sea level, and the likely role of climatic and tectonic processes in producing these changes. You’ll also examine the greenhouse world of the Cretaceous and its tropical/subtropical marine environments; high latitude terrestrial environments; the effect on the environment of large igneous provinces and meteorite impacts; and the mass extinction event at the end of the period. Finally, the course documents the Ice Age, offering possible explanations for the natural climatic changes during the last 2.6 million years.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,S369,,1 and Oceanography (S330)Oceanography::Oceans cover seventy percent of the Earth’s surface, regulating our climate and maintaining our atmosphere. They also contain virtually all the known chemical elements. This course deals with their physics, chemistry and biology, as well as the structure of the basins that contain them – covering topics like underwater volcanoes; the greenhouse effect; eddy systems; the El Niño phenomenon and its link to droughts and floods; and the global view of ocean properties that satellite technology can provide. This is a wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary course for anyone interested in the natural world.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,S330,,1 – or the 60-credit module The environmental web (U316)The environmental web::This interdisciplinary course examines contemporary issues such as biodiversity and climate change in order to develop your environmental literacy, and enable you to take part in informed debate and action. It draws on a wide variety of disciplines to investigate environmental changes, their consequences, and implications for action. You will explore environmental materials on the web used to publish data, implement policy, debate issues, and promulgate views – learning how to navigate, analyse and evaluate such information. Some knowledge of the environment is assumed – for example, from our course Environment (U216).undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,U316,,1.

You’ll finish your degree with Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)Science project course: environmental science practical project::This course is the project module for the BSc (Hons) Environmental Science. You will undertake an independent practical investigation of a topic within the area of environmental science. You will design your investigation, collect data (this may be in the field, in a laboratory or at home), analyse it and produce a scientific report. The study materials provide a guide to planning and conducting project work; help with searching and using the literature; and writing a report, but ultimately this is a chance for you to plan and execute a piece of work for yourself.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q64-5,module,SXE390,,1 where you’ll undertake an independent practical investigation, collecting and analysing data on a topic such as:

• climate effects on phenology
• tidal cycle/weather interactions and impact on seashore organisms; effects of pollution on abundance of freshwater organisms
• tadpole growth and behaviour under different environmental conditions
• environmental control of plant growth and water use.