Open University

BSc (Honours) in Combined STEM

A combined STEM degree allows you to select modules from across the curriculum so that the learning outcomes of your degree will depend on a combination of outcomes from the modules you have studied. These will be described retrospectively in an academic transcript. As a student gaining a combined STEM degree, you will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate generic outcomes, including knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas.

Knowledge and understanding

You will be able to demonstrate:

• A systematic and, where appropriate, comparative knowledge and understanding of at least one STEM subject/discipline
• A detailed knowledge of one or more specialisms and developments, some of which are at, or informed by current thinking in one or more STEM subject/discipline
• Substantial knowledge and critical understanding of the established concepts, theories and principles in one or more STEMsubjectst/disciplines, together with an appreciation of key emerging issues
• The ability to recognise the potential uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge in one or more STEM subjects/disciplines.

Cognitive skills

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Skills in identifying relevant qualitative and/or quantitative information from a wide range of evaluated sources including current research, scholarly, and or professional literature as appropriate
• Skills in the systematic gathering, evaluation, critical analysis and interpretation of ideas and concepts to one or more STEM subjects/disciplines, whilst being aware of the limitations of techniques and your knowledge
• An ability to apply a conceptual understanding of one or more STEM subject/discipline(s) to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using examples and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of the subject/discipline
• A knowledge of, familiarity with and ability to, deploy essential and advanced STEM subject-related materials, as appropriate, in addition to established techniques of analysis and enquiry, including some at the forefront of at least one STEM subject/discipline
• An ability to apply the methods and techniques that you have learned to review, consolidate and extend your knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects, as appropriate.

Practical and/or professional skills

You will be able to demonstrate:

• An ability to learn from feedback and reflect on experience to review progress, develop career/personal plans and seek ways of improving performance as an independent learner
• Plan, monitor and evaluate your learning and performance, being aware of your learning styles, strengths and needs, as required for studying one or more STEM subjects/disciplines.

Key skills

You will be able to:

• Frame and address problems, questions and issues, being aware of the environment and context in which the problem exists
• Accurately and effectively communicate, formally and informally, information about specialised topics to informed audiences using the full repertoire of the principal concepts and constructs in one or more subject/discipline
• Confidently use a range of digital practices (including tools and resources) to find, use, create and share data, information and knowledge as appropriate to one or more STEM subjects/discipline
• Comprehend and produce written and spoken texts in subject-appropriate language for a range of academic purposes that are core to the relevant STEM subject/discipline, demonstrating the capacity to adapt language and literacy to the expectations, practices and needs of different academic and professional audiences.

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits:

• In Stage 1, you’ll choose 60 credits of STEM modules and 60 credits from any OU level 1 modules.
• In Stage 2, you’ll choose 60 credits of STEM modules and 60 credits from any OU level 2 modules.
• In Stage 3, you’ll choose 120 credits of STEM modules.
• We’ve created suggested routes to guide you and help you choose your modules.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll choose 60 credits from:

• A variety of introductory STEM modules

You’ll choose 60 credits from:

• A variety of OU level 1 module

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll choose 60 credits from:

• A variety of OU level 2 STEM modules

You'll choose 60 credits from:

• A variety of OU level 2 modules

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You'll choose 120 credits from:

• A variety of OU level 3 STEM modules

Routes through the degree

We’ve created 180-credit suggested routes to help you choose your modules. You could combine 180 credits from one route with 180 credits from another to gain the 360 credits you need.

Suggested routes include:

• Astronomy and planetary science
• Applied mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Communications and networking
• Computer science
• Design
• Earth sciences
• Engineering
• Environmental sustainability
• Environmental science
• Health Science
• Mathematics education
• Mathematics and statistics
• Mathematics and statistics education
• Pure mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Statistics
• Software development
• Sport and fitness
• Web development

Biology

Stage 1

• Questions in science (S111)

Stage 2

• The Biology of Survival (S295)
• Cell and molecular biology (S296)

Stage 3

• Biological science: from genes to species (S317)

Computer science

Stage 1

• Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)
• Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)

Stage 2

• Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
• Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)

Stage 3

• Data management and analysis (TM351)
• Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)

Engineering

Stage 1

• Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)
• Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)

Stage 2

• Core engineering A (T271)
• Energy and sustainability (T213)

Stage 3

• Nanoscale engineering (T366)
• Renewable energy (T313)

Environmental science

Stage 1

• Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)

Stage 2

• Environmental science (S206)

Stage 3

• Environment: responding to change (SDT306)

Environmental sustainability

Stage 1

• Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)

Stage 2

• Energy and sustainability (T213)
• Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)

Stage 3

• Renewable energy (T313)
• Environmental Management 2 (T319)

Mathematics and statistics

Stage 1

• Discovering mathematics (MU123)
• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)

Stage 2

• Mathematical methods (MST224)
• Analysing data (M248)

Stage 3

• Applications of probability (M343)
• Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

In today’s highly competitive job market, our Combined STEM degree will equip you with a wide range of expertise, skills and capabilities much sought after by employers. A Combined STEM degree on your CV will show more than your level of knowledge; employers will know that you’re flexible and adaptable, having studied across subjects. It will also demonstrate that you have gained valuable transferable skills, which could include:

• Self-management
• Team working
• Problem-solving
• Communication and literacy
• Numeracy
• application of information technology

Career relevance

The flexibility of our Combined STEM degree makes it relevant to a wide range of careers and industries – many of which require proficiency in a range of STEM-based skills. It can help you to develop in your existing employment, or be a passport to a whole new career. Its flexibility particularly suits people with multi-faceted work roles; and anyone needing to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding to manage changes in their current job or future career path.

A degree is always valuable, no matter what you study. Around 70% of graduate jobs are open to graduates of any discipline – particularly roles in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.