Open University

BSc (Honours) in Natural Sciences (Astronomy and Planetary Science)

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you’ll study one 60-credit and one 30-credit module and choose one 30-credit module.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
• In Stage 3, you’ll study two 30-credit modules, choose one 30-credit module and complete a 30-credit project module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Questions in science (S111)    
• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)    

You'll choose one from:

• Essential Mathematics 2 (MST125)    
• Introducing statistics (M140)    
• Physics and space (SM123)    
• Technologies in practice (TM129)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study all four of the following:

• Astronomy (S284)    
• Mathematical methods (MST224)    
• Planetary science and the search for life (S283)    
• Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)    
• Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)    

You'll choose one from:

• Electromagnetism (SM381)    
• Evaluating contemporary science (S350)    
• Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)    
• Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)    
• Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)    

You'll study the following:

• Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)

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 at 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.

The degree provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

When you have completed this degree you will have systematic knowledge and a critical understanding of:

• The fundamental facts, concepts, principles, theories, classification systems and terminology used in the main branches of science
• Appropriate methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing scientific data and information
• Accuracy, precision, uncertainty, and ambiguity in the context of science; the limits of current scientific knowledge; and the role of science in the world around us
• A selected area of science, at or informed by research and/or literature at the forefront of the discipline.

Cognitive skills

When you have completed this degree you will be able to:

• Use and correctly apply knowledge and understanding of scientific facts, concepts, principles and theories in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
• Describe, critically analyse and interpret scientific information and data presented in a variety of ways, including texts, tables, graphs, diagrams and figures, numerical and mathematical descriptions and computer-based media
• Critically evaluate particular aspects of current scientific research.

Practical and/or professional skills

When you have completed this degree you will be able to:

• Conduct practical investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner taking proper account of risk assessment and health and safety regulations
• Obtain, record, collate and analyse data derived from practical investigations, and interpret and report their significance in the light of underlying theory, practical issues and relevant information from other sources
• Initiate, design, conduct and report on investigations that may involve the acquisition of primary or secondary data
• Plan your learning and be adept at time management and organisation so that you can work independently or with others in ways appropriate for continuing personal and professional development.

Key skills

When you have completed this degree you will be able to:

• Locate scientific information from a variety of sources (e.g. textual, numerical, graphical, computer-based), including reviews and primary sources, and use it to address scientific problems
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, including the use of statistics
• Communicate scientific information accurately and effectively using written, visual and numerical forms in a style that suits the purpose and audience
• Use mathematical skills appropriate to the level and context
• Use ICT to enhance your learning, for data analysis and for communicating scientific information to others
• Work effectively with others to explore aspects of science.

Skills for career development

By the time you achieve your qualification, you’ll be an adaptable graduate with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in the labour market – such as analytical, numerical and communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving and proficiency in using computers. You’ll also have a good understanding of where your strengths and interests lie, and be well prepared for your next step – whether it’s further study or employment.

Employers also look for evidence of experience in the workplace to support the skills gained through the degree. To succeed, graduates will need to be flexible and multi-skilled, with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Career relevance

Science graduates are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment, so science graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand.

Employers include central and local government, the NHS, the water industry, food and drink companies, media and communications, the horticultural industry, multinational oil companies, the pharmaceutical industry, conservation bodies and universities – in roles such as:

• Research and investigation
• Product design and development
• Analysis and diagnostics
• Science information management
• Science communication
• Scientific sales
• Exploration and extraction of natural resources
• Health and healthcare-related professions
• Waste management, recycling and sustainability
• Environmental management, protection and conservation
• Teaching (science is a shortage subject at the secondary school level, so there may be incentives to train as a physics, chemistry or maths teacher).

Growth areas are predicted to be: environment, energy and sustainability; biotechnology and biomedical engineering; healthcare; telecommunications; pharmaceuticals; bioinformatics; and technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products).

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.