Science project course: radiation and matter

This is the project module for the BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences. You’ll undertake individual investigations within defined topics in the general area of radiation and matter¹: quantum entanglement, gravitational lensing, exoplanets and astrophysical jets. There is also a Physics Education Research topic. You’ll need access to scientific literature, probably from electronic library sources. The study materials provide a guide to planning and conducting project work; help with searching and using the literature; and writing a report, but ultimately this is a chance for you to plan and execute a piece of work for yourself.

¹Previously, we advertised this module as including bioelectromagnetism as a possible topic. From February 2020, this will no be an option as this is no longer aligned with the research strategic plan of the School of Physical Sciences, and the availability of relevant staff expertise can no longer be guaranteed.

What you will study

This module is designed to enable you to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in the OU level 3 physics and astronomy modules. Early in the module you will be guided by the study materials and by your tutor to choose an appropriate topic to investigate in depth. Unless you have access to an academic library, you may find that you have to spend up to two thirds of your time in the early part of the module online, identifying suitable material to inform your choice of project topic from the electronic journals available via The Open University Library. A range of topics are possible and your chosen topic will allow you to exploit the knowledge, understanding and skills you have developed in your OU level 3 physical sciences modules. Your project will need to consider contextualisation, development, application, detailed analysis and ’what next’ for your chosen topic.

Entry requirements

This is an OU level 3 module. OU level 3 modules build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from previous studies at OU levels 1 and 2. They are intended only for students who have recent experience of education in a related subject.

You should study this science project module as the final module of the BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences, as you will need to apply knowledge and skills from your prior studies. Normally you should have passed at least 60 credits of the OU level 3 requirements for your degree, before embarking on your project module.

It is essential that you establish whether or not your background and experience give you a sound basis on which to tackle the module, since students who are appropriately prepared have the best chance of completing their studies successfully. The Science Faculty has produced a booklet Are You Ready For Your Science Level 3 Project Course? to help you to decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the module or whether you need a little extra preparation.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

• a study planner
• course-specific module materials
• assignment details and submission section
• online tutorial access.

Computing requirements

A computing device with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this module. Any modern browser will be suitable for most computer activities. Functionality may be limited on mobile devices.

Any additional software will be provided, or is generally freely available. However, some activities may have more specific requirements. For this reason, you will need to be able to install and run additional software on a device that meets the requirements below.

A desktop or laptop computer with either an up-to-date version of Windows or macOS.

The screen of the device must have a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 pixels vertically.

To join in the spoken conversation in our online rooms we recommend a headset (headphones or earphones with an integrated microphone).

Our Skills for OU study website has further information including computing skills for study, computer security, acquiring a computer and Microsoft software offers for students.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

• Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
• Guiding you to additional learning resources.
• Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
• Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part. If you want to participate, you’ll likely need a headset with a microphone.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.

You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.  The end-of-module assessment (EMA) must be submitted online.

The TMAs help you to record progress with your investigation and build up the elements required for the project report. The project is a serious piece of science writing and comprises a substantial part of the examinable component. You will be expected to keep a log of your project work and to submit your cumulative log with your TMAs and with the examinable component.