Open University

BSc (Honours) in Physics

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this qualification, you’ll have knowledge and understanding of:

• The fundamental concepts, principles, theories and language used in the scientific discipline of physics, and the role of physics in the world around us
• Accuracy, precision and an ability to recognise the potential uncertainty and ambiguity in the concept of physics and the limits of scientific knowledge
• Physics, informed by research or literature at the forefront of the discipline.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

• Use and apply conceptual understanding of physics to plan and implement strategies, devise and sustain arguments and solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
• Identify information needs and gather, interpret, critically analyse and synthesise scientific information and data from a range of different sources, media and scientific literature presented in a variety of ways including texts, tables, graphs, diagrams, equations and mathematical derivations
• Apply the methods and techniques you’ve learned, to review, consolidate and extend your knowledge and understanding; and to critically evaluate relevant aspects of current scientific research and initiate and carry out projects.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll 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 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
• Take personal responsibility to identify goals and organise your tasks effectively, recognising the necessity for continuing development personally, professionally and in your studies.

Key skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

• Prepare, process, interpret and present data to communicate scientific information, arguments and ideas in the area of physics accurately and effectively using written, visual and numerical forms in a style that suits the purpose and audience
• Select and apply quantitative skills appropriate to the level and context
• Select, access and exploit a wide range of digital practices including tools and resources to retrieve, use, create, analyse and share data, information and knowledge as appropriate
• Work effectively with others to explore aspects of physics, enhance your learning and achieve joint outcomes.

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you’ll study 120 credits from the standard start, basic maths start or advanced start.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study one 60-credit and two 30-credit modules.
• In Stage 3, you’ll study two 30-credit modules, choose a 30-credit module and complete a 30-credit project module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Standard start

You'll study both of the following:

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

You'll choose one from:

• Physics and space (SM123)
• Essential Mathematics 2 (MST125)

Basic maths start

You'll study all four of the following:

• Discovering mathematics (MU123)
• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)
• Essential Mathematics 2 (MST125)
• Physics and space (SM123)

Advanced start

You'll study both of the following:

• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)
• Physics and space (SM123)

You'll choose one from:

• Essential Mathematics 2 (MST125)
• Introducing statistics (M140)
• Planetary science and the search for life (S283)
• Astronomy (S284)

You'll choose one from:

• Planetary science and the search for life (S283)
• Astronomy (S284)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

• Physics: from classical to quantum (S217)
• Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)
• Mathematical methods (MST224)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Electromagnetism (SM381)
• Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)

You'll choose one from:

• Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)
• Computational Applied Mathematics (MST374)
• Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)
• Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)
• Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)

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.

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. An online personal development tool has been created to help with self-reflection and to build evidence of the skills and competencies that you have developed during your studies to help achieve your future aspirations.

Career relevance

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

Growth areas are predicted to be energy and sustainability, healthcare, telecommunications, bioinformatics, and technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products).

Employers include engineering companies, renewable energy companies, central government, the financial sector, IT companies, the NHS, universities and others – in roles such as:

• Analysis and diagnostics
• Computer programming and modelling
• Data analysis and processing
• Information management
• Medical physicist
• Product design and development
• Research and investigation
• Scientific sales
• Teaching (physics is a shortage subject at the secondary school level, so there may be incentives to train as a physics or maths teacher).

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.