BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences Q64
Thank you for your interest in our BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences.
This fact sheet gives an overview of what you’ll study at
Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the qualification, and provides links
to more detailed module descriptions.
We live in a society that depends on science, but how
many of us really understand the science behind the
important issues that feature in the news?
Whether you’re keen to study a
specific area of science, or you’re
not yet sure where your interests lie
this degree is for you.
It starts with a wide-ranging introduction to
highly topical areas of modern science, giving
you a good grounding in each. You can then
continue with a broad-based approach, or
concentrate your studies in a particular area
– choosing from:
— astronomy and planetary science
— biology
— chemistry
— Earth sciences
— environmental science
— physics.
Your choice of specialism will be included
in the name of your degree, for example,
BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (Chemistry).
Flexible, accessible study arrangements mean
you can choose to take part in laboratory and
field work at specific locations, or do all the
practical work online in your own home.
www.open.ac.uk
Career relevance and employability
Science graduates – particularly those with
good communication and interpersonal skills,
together with some workplace experience –
are in demand in the jobs market. The logical,
reasoned approach needed for science study
is relevant to a wide range of contexts,
including business, finance and the public
sector. By the end of your studies, you’ll be an
adaptable graduate with a range of valuable
transferable skills – such as analytical,
numerical and communication skills,
teamworking, problem-solving and proficiency
in IT. 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.
Key facts
Start date
Oct 2016 (registration closes 08 Sep 2016)
Feb 2017 (registration closes 05 Jan 2017)
Course code
Q64
Credits
360
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 4 years
Time limit – 16 years
Course cost
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
See Am I ready?
Page 1 of 6
BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences Q64
What you will study
Stage 1
Stages 2 and 3
120 credits required
120 credits required for each stage
This degree starts with a wide-ranging and
absorbing introductory science module,
Questions in science (S111), that encompasses
astronomy and planetary science; biology;
chemistry; Earth sciences; environmental
science and physics. A series of questions,
starting with ‘Can you make a hole in water?’
and ‘How do you know what is alive?’, teaches
scientific thinking. You will undertake a
significant number of practical experiments,
both ‘hands-on’ in your own home and online.
This module will develop your generic study
skills and maths skills alongside key concepts
in science.
At Stages 2 and 3, you can continue with a
broad study of science by combining modules
from across the curriculum. This includes the
new 60-credit module Science and society
(S201) that explores a range of contemporary
issues with a scientific dimension, in addition to
the subject-specific modules.
Broad-based route
Alternatively, many students start to
narrow their focus towards specialising in
either biology, chemistry, Earth sciences,
environmental science, physics, or astronomy
and planetary science.
You can continue to combine modules from
across the science curriculum, but most
students narrow their focus at this point, based
on their choices at Stage 2. You’ll complete your
degree with a project module based on your
previous study in this stage.
You can then choose between studying a
broad-based science route or specialising at
Stage 2. If you study the broad-based route or
if you want to specialise in biology, chemistry,
Earth sciences, or environmental science you’ll
study a new module that focuses on some of
the key ideas in science, which is planned for
October 2017.
To specialise in either astronomy and planetary
science or physics you will study Essential
mathematics 1 (MST124), and either further
mathematics study, statistics or technologies in
practice. The physics route, with the inclusion
of Astrophysics (S382) at Stage 3, is accredited
by the Institute of Physics.
We advise you to visit our MathsChoices
website at mathschoices.open.ac.uk for
advice on how to revise and refresh your
mathematical knowledge.
www.open.ac.uk
The name of your degree will reflect your
chosen route. For example:
— broad route – BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences
— with a specialism – BSc (Hons) Natural
Sciences (Chemistry).
Stage 2
This option allows you to choose modules from
across the science curriculum.
Stage 3
Astronomy and
planetary science
Stage 2
Investigate Earth’s place in the Universe, the
stars and their life cycles, galaxies and quasars,
planetary processes, the origin of the Universe,
and evidence for extra-terrestrial life; then
study mathematics and practical science,
focusing on physics and astronomy.
Stage 3
Explore the astrophysics of stars and
exoplanets – planets beyond our Solar System
– and develop your understanding of the
relativistic Universe. Then choose from
modules in electromagnetism, applied
mathematics or quantum physics, completing
your degree with a project on radiation
and matter.
Page 2 of 6
BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences Q64
What you will study
Stages 2 and 3
120 credits required for each stage
Biology
Earth sciences
Physics
Stage 2
Stage 2
Stage 2
From cell biology, through whole organism
biology to survival, covering adaptation and
natural selection. Then choose from a broad
range of science modules, including human
biology or more practical science.
Learn about the Earth’s structure, why
volcanoes and earthquakes occur, how plate
tectonics have shaped the Earth, and the
structure and geological history of rocks and
minerals, and then choose from other options
in science and mathematical methods.
Learning physics will change the way you think
about the world, and discoveries being made
now will change your life. Find out about
energy, the behaviour of light, radioactive
decay and universal processes – then study
mathematics and practical science, focusing
on physics and astronomy.
Stage 3
Explore in more depth a range of advanced
topics in biological science from evolution to
cell and molecular biology, further developing
your key research skills. Then choose between
studying ecosystems, the evaluation of
contemporary areas of science, science of
the senses or infectious disease and public
health, and complete your degree with a
project module.
Chemistry
Stage 2
Chemistry touches nearly every facet of life.
The materials and medicines you use every
day are developed with the expertise of
professional chemists. Study essential concepts
in chemistry, and then choose from other
options in science or mathematical methods.
Stage 3
Explore chemistry in the context of both the
natural and the ‘synthetic’ world, from its role
in the environment, to that in living things.
You’ll examine the subtle interplay between
molecular structure, chemical reactivity and
their practical consequences. Then choose
from a range of science modules, finishing with
a project module where you will research and
review a topic in chemistry.
www.open.ac.uk
Stage 3
Explore societally relevant topics in Earth
science and key events in the history of the
Earth. Then study either the interactions
between organisms and their environment that
form an ecosystem or a wide-ranging module
examining contemporary areas of science.
You’ll finish with a project investigating a topic
in geosciences such as geohazards or past
environmental change.
Environmental science
Stage 3
Study core modules in electromagnetism and
quantum physics, and how mathematics is used
to state and apply the fundamental laws of
modern physics. Then broaden out to study
subjects like astrophysics or cosmology, or
choose advanced mathematics modules before
finishing with a project investigating a topic
such as quantum entanglement, gravitational
lensing or physics education.
Stage 2
Take a holistic approach to the science of our
environment – Earth, air, water and life –
investigating topics such as global warming,
water resources, pollution and conservation,
and then choose from other options in science
and mathematical methods.
Stage 3
Explore the consequences and implications
of environmental change for sustainability
before studying either the interactions
between organisms and their environment
that form an ecosystem or examining
contemporary areas of science, and finishing
with a practical investigation of a topic in
environmental science.
Page 3 of 6
BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences Q64
Module summary
Click on module titles for detailed module descriptions.
Qualification structure and module availability is subject to change.
Stage 1 module summary
Stage 2 module summary
120 credits required
120 credits required
Module name
CREDITS
CODE
Compulsory module – 60 credits
Questions in science
60
S111
Broad-based study of science, or to specialise
in biology; chemistry; Earth sciences;
environmental science:
Compulsory module – 60 credits
A new module, planned
for October 2017, that
focuses on some of the key
ideas in science
60
S112
Specialise in astronomy and planetary science;
or physics:
Compulsory module – 30 credits
Essential mathematics 1
30
MST124
Optional module – 30 credits
Select one from:
Essential mathematics 2
30
MST125
Introducing statistics
30
M140
Technologies in practice
30
TM129
Module name
CREDITS
CODE
Broad-based route
Compulsory modules – 60 credits
Optional module(s) – 60 credits
Select from:
Cell biology
30
S294
The biology of survival
30
S295
Cell biology
30
S294
The biology of survival
30
S295
Chemistry:
essential concepts
Optional modules – 60 credits
Select 60 credits from the broad-based
natural sciences Stage 2 modules
60
S215
Chemistry
Earth science
60
S209
Compulsory module – 60 credits
Environmental science
60
S206
Chemistry:
essential concepts
Optional module(s) – 60 credits
Select from the previous list or from a wide
range including:
Astronomy
30
S282
Human biology
30
SK277
Mathematical methods
30
MST224
Physics: from
classical to quantum
60
S217
Planetary science
and the search for life
30
S283
Practical science:
biology and health
30
SXHL288
Science and society
(recommended)
60
S201
The science of
the mind: investigating
mental health
30
60
S215
Optional modules – 60 credits
Select 60 credits from the broad-based
natural sciences Stage 2 modules
Earth sciences
Compulsory module – 60 credits
Earth science
60
S209
Optional modules – 60 credits
Select 60 credits from the broad-based
natural sciences Stage 2 modules
Environmental science
SDK228
Compulsory module – 60 credits
Environmental science
60
S206
Optional modules – 60 credits
Select 60 credits from the broad-based
natural sciences Stage 2 modules
Physics
Astronomy and planetary science
Compulsory modules – 120 credits
Compulsory modules – 120 credits
www.open.ac.uk
Biology
Astronomy
30
S282
Physics: from
classical to quantum
60
S217
Planetary science
and the search for life
30
S283
Practical science:
physics and astronomy
30
SXPA288
Practical science:
physics and astronomy
30
SXPA288
Mathematical methods
30
MST224
Mathematical methods
30
MST224
Page 4 of 6
BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences Q64
Module summary
Click on module titles for detailed module descriptions.
Qualification structure and module availability is subject to change.
Stage 3 module summary
120 credits required
Module name
Astronomy and planetary science
Chemistry
Broad-based route
Compulsory modules – 60 credits
Compulsory module – 60 credits
Optional modules – 90 credits
Select from a wide range including:
Astrophysics
30
S382
The relativistic Universe
30
S383
CREDITS
CODE
Astrophysics
30
S382
Biological science:
from genes to species
60
S317
Chemistry: further
concepts and applications
60
S315
Earth processes
60
S309
Ecosystems
30
S396
Electromagnetism
30
SMT359
Evaluating
contemporary science
30
S350
Infectious disease and
public health
30
Signals and perception:
the science of the senses
30
The quantum world
The relativistic Universe
SK320
S315
Ecosystems
30
S396
Optional module – 30 credits
Select one from:
Optional module – 30 credits
Select one from:
Electromagnetism
30
SMT359
Deterministic and
stochastic dynamics
30
MS327
Evaluating
contemporary science
30
S350
Mathematical methods
and fluid mechanics
30
MST326
Infectious disease
and public health
30
SK320
The quantum world
30
SM358
Signals and perception:
the science of the senses
30
SD329
Compulsory module – 30 credits
Science project course:
radiation and matter
30
Compulsory module – 30 credits
SXP390
Science project course:
frontiers in chemistry
30
Earth sciences
SD329
Compulsory module – 60 credits
Compulsory module – 60 credits
30
SM358
Biological science: from
genes to species
30
S383
30
60
S317
30
S396
SXL390
Evaluating
contemporary science
30
S350
SXE390
Infectious disease and
public health
30
SK320
Signals and perception:
the science of the senses
30
SD329
30
Science project course:
frontiers in chemistry
30
SXM390
Science project course:
geosciences
30
SXG390
Science project course:
radiation and matter
30
SXP390
Science project course:
science in society project
30
SXN390
Earth processes
SXM390
60
S309
Ecosystems
30
S396
Evaluating
contemporary science
30
S350
Optional module – 30 credits
Select from:
Optional module – 30 credits
Select one from:
Ecosystems
Science project course:
environmental science
practical project
www.open.ac.uk
60
Biology
Compulsory module – 30 credits
Depending on your other Stage 3 modules,
select one from:
Researching biology
and health science
Chemistry: further
concepts and applications
Compulsory module – 30 credits
Science project course:
geosciences
30
SXG390
Compulsory module – 30 credits
Researching biology
and health science
30
SXL390
Page 5 of 6
BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences Q64
Module summary
Click on module titles for detailed module descriptions.
Qualification structure and module availability is subject to change.
Stage 3 module summary
120 credits required
Module name
CREDITS
CODE
Physics
Environmental science
Compulsory modules – 60 credits
Compulsory module – 60 credits
Electromagnetism
30
SMT359
The quantum world
30
SM358
The environmental web
60
U316
Optional module – 30 credits
Select from:
Optional module – 30 credits
Select one from:
Ecosystems
30
S396
Astrophysics
30
S382
Evaluating contemporary
science
30
S350
Deterministic and
stochastic dynamics
30
MS327
Mathematical methods
and fluid mechanics
30
MST326
The relativistic Universe
30
S383
Compulsory module – 30 credits
Science project course:
environmental science
practical project
30
SXE390
Compulsory module – 30 credits
Science project course:
radiation and matter
30
SXP390
Page 6 of 6
FIND OUT MORE
Go to the online description to find out more
about how much time you need to study,
how to apply, and your fees and funding options.
www.open.ac.uk
+44 (0)300 303 5303
Student Recruitment Team
The Open University, PO Box 197
Milton Keynes, MK7 6BJ, United Kingdom
Copyright 2016 © The Open University