England

Please tell us where you live so that we can provide you with the most relevant information as you use this website.
If you are at a BFPO address please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident.
Accessibility statement
In this module, you’ll undertake an individual investigation within a defined topic, which are quantum entanglement, gravitational lensing, exoplanets, astrophysical jets, electromagnetism and Physics Education Research (PER). You’ll need access to scientific literature, probably from electronic library sources. The study materials guide planning and conducting project work, searching and using the literature, and writing a report.
A range of topics are possible, and your chosen topic will allow you to exploit the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in your OU level 3 physics and astronomy modules. Early in the module, the study materials, tutorials and discussions with your tutor will guide you to choose an appropriate topic to investigate in depth. Your project will need to consider contextualisation, development, application, detailed analysis and ‘what next’ for your chosen topic. You might have to spend up to two-thirds of your time identifying suitable material to inform your choice of project topic in the early part of the module.
There are no formal entry requirements for this module.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, you’ll need appropriate knowledge of physical sciences obtained through the following:
Are you ready for SXP390?
We recommend that you’ve completed one of the following modules:
We also recommend familiarising yourself with the Library search tool and referencing guide.
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:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying SXP390 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390) starts once a year – in January/February.
It will next start in January 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in February 2030.
This module ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in late October rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your degree as an entry qualification.
Back to previous page