You’ll conduct three remote experiments (working in small groups of 2–5) to control the hardware and collect data. You’ll learn to process your data with Python, interpret the results, and write up your work as technical reports.
Remote investigations parallel the way many modern scientific investigations are conducted. It’s no longer necessary to travel to a remote mountaintop to use the latest telescope – instead, you can book time and control equipment remotely. Space-based explorations, such as a space telescope or a Mars rover, are also operated remotely. The remote experimentation skills you’ll develop in this module are directly relevant to building your employability in the STEM sector.
Cooperation and group work are also characteristic features of research and commercial activity. Large-scale enterprises like the Large Hadron Collider or the Mars Curiosity rover can operate only if many people work together. By working with fellow students and supported by research experts, you’ll achieve more than anyone working alone. You’ll develop vital employability skills in communication, collaboration and professional teamwork.
You’ll find more details on each of the live experimental components below:
Astronomy: Exploring the Milky Way
In this investigation, you’ll use an optical telescope (PIRATE or COAST) to investigate the properties of star clusters in different parts of our galaxy, the Milky Way. You’ll obtain optical photometry in two wavebands of open and globular star clusters, from which you’ll compile colour-magnitude diagrams to estimate properties such as the ages and distances of the clusters.
You’ll typically work with four other students, supported by experts in optical astronomy and the use of robotic telescopes.
You must choose from the two options (Observer mode or Queue-scheduled mode) at the start of the module. We’ll provide complete descriptions of both modes and a discussion forum to help you choose. Places for Observer mode may be limited, so book early to maximise your chances of getting an observing session if this is your preferred choice.
Physics: Electron–photon interactions
This activity, about charged particles and radiation, is split into two investigations.
In the first investigation, you’ll use an interactive screen experiment (ISE) to measure the deflection of a beam of electrons in a magnetic field. You’ll use this to measure a fundamental property of the electron – its charge-to-mass ratio.
The second investigation is a live experiment in which you’ll use remotely controlled apparatus in a lab at the OU campus. You’ll investigate the process of Compton scattering – the interaction of X-ray photons with individual electrons. During your studies of the Compton effect, you’ll be recreating a Nobel Prize-winning experiment and confirming a fundamental result in quantum mechanics.
This activity will develop your skills in conducting practical investigations, including equipment calibration, handling experimental errors, and presenting and interpreting results.
Planetary science: Exploring Mars’s atmosphere and surface
This investigation is centred around an imagined space mission to Mars. In the first phase, you’ll carry out a live experiment using infrared spectroscopy to qualitatively and quantitively characterise the properties of planetary atmospheres. You’ll use technology designed by researchers at the OU and flown on the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission.
The second part of the investigation concerns geological processes on planetary surfaces. Using genuine data from NASA’s Mars rovers, you’ll learn how to process and extract information from public domain datasets. You’ll use this to model processes such as the production and evolution of the atmosphere and surface features of another planet.
Team project: Designing a future space mission
Towards the end of the module, you’ll complete a six-week team-based project involving the design of a future space mission. This activity will build on your knowledge of experimental design and instrumentation, whilst also developing your teamwork skills. You’ll work collaboratively with your team using various communication methods, including scheduled online forums.
The practical skills developed in this module include (but are not limited to):
Many of the practical skills you’ll develop in this module are highly sought after by employers. These transferable skills can be applied in many scientific or commercial settings, especially to the rapidly expanding data analysis and space sectors.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
SXPS288 is a compulsory module in our:
SXPS288 is an option module in our:
Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2030.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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