Science

The more you look into science, the more fascinating it becomes. Science is all around us, continuously unfolding and giving us the chance to improve our world’s social and economic future. Advances in areas such as communications, food production, health care and transport all depend on fresh knowledge emerging from science’s many disciplines.

Studying undergraduate science courses at the OU will enhance your understanding of the world, and contribute to your intellectual and personal development. You may want simply to take a short course in science to explore a subject that really interests you, or you may be looking to change or progress your career through completing a qualification. You may have a fascination for one particular field of science or you might have an interest in more than one area: the wide range of courses we offer gives the flexibility to choose.

The depth and breadth of our curriculum attracts over 20,000 students a year so, whatever your motivation, there’s sure to be a course to challenge and reward you.

Where to start in Science

For many students, the best place to start is our Level 1 course Exploring science (S104), which gives a broad and integrated survey of the whole of science.

Students new to higher education, to OU study or to science are advised to begin with our 10-point course Science starts here (S154), specifically aimed at those students who aren’t sure about distance learning, have done little or no science in the past and whose maths is rusty (or non-existent!).

Alternative starting points are possible for students with a particular interest in physics and astronomy or in health sciences.

Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.

Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.

Degrees

Environmental Science
Develop the knowledge and techniques for understanding fundamental environmental patterns and processes and understand how the technology of environmental science relates to society.
Environmental Studies
Integrating science, technology and social sciences, this degree will help you get to the heart of environmental issues.
Geosciences
In this degree you can study a stimulating combination of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences to gain an understanding our how our planet evolved.
Life Sciences
This degree is a fascinating exploration of biological and human sciences, from the complexity and diversity of life to the impact of science on society.
Molecular Science
Chemistry touches nearly every facet of life. In this degree, you’ll study organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, and explore processes and interactions at atomic and molecular level.
Natural Sciences
A truly interdisciplinary science degree, giving the opportunity to study a wide range of sciences with a particular emphasis on the scientific issues vital to today’s society.
Physical Science
Physics is the key to everything from a tiny particle to the vastness of the galaxies. This degree is for you if you’re curious about how the world works.
Secondary Education in Physics
Equips you to become a teacher of science in secondary schools, with a breadth of scientific knowledge, and specialising in teaching physics.
Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.

Foundation Degrees

Analytical Sciences
Develop knowledge, skills and competencies which underpin practice across many professions in the analytical sciences sector. You must be sponsored and registered by your employer.
Health Sciences
This work-based degree is ideal for support staff working in clinical laboratories. You must be supported by your employer for the work-based courses.
Operating Department Practice
Develop the knowledge, skills and competencies which underpin practice in operating departments and perioperative care situations. You must be supported by your employer for the work-based courses.
Paramedic Sciences
Develop the knowledge, skills and competencies which underpin paramedic practice in emergency care settings. You must be supported by your employer for the work-based courses.

Diplomas

Certificates

Courses in Science

See the list of all our individual courses in Science.

Postgraduate options

If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Science.

Spotlight on Science

Are you ready?

Are you ready for...? is a series of self-assessment quizzes for prospective students of science courses. These quizzes will help you make the best decision about where to starting to study science with the OU, or which course to take next

Natural science - the broad view

'Natural sciences’ is for science students who prefer the interdisciplinary approach. For example, if you’re interested in animal diversity and how evolution has been affected by the planet's physical environment, your degree could combine biology and geology courses. Alternatively, you could focus on the Earth's environment (both on land and in the oceans) and how humans can affect it.

Bacteria - good or bad?

Everywhere around us bacteria, viruses and other microscopic organisms affect our daily lives. Some are used in baking, brewing or cheese-making, and some help our crops to grow - while others cause diseases with major public health implications, such as food poisoning, MRSA and swine flu. The new short course Empire of the microbes (S171) provides a fascinating introduction to the importance of microbes to all of us. See all Science short courses

Got a question?

Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90

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