Exploring science (S104) is a wide-ranging course that introduces important scientific concepts and develops the skills needed to study science successfully.
It introduces the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics and shows the links between them.
Exploring science is a Level 1 course designed both as a broad foundation for students who intend to study for a science degree, and as a stand-alone course for those who want to discover more about the science of the world around them. On successful completion of the course students will be awarded 60 points which can be counted towards one of our degrees and also constitute a Certificate in Natural Sciences in their own right.
Exploring science is unique:
- in the breadth of its content and in the ability range it caters for. The course brings together important elements of four science disciplines to teach a wide range of scientific topics and skills to students who may have little or no science background.
- in the way it uses an interdisciplinary approach to present the coherence of science as a whole.
- in the range of learning materials and teaching methods that it uses. As well as full colour books, students receive material on DVD and a small practical kit complete with rock specimens. In addition, students are allocated to regional tutors, and participate in computer conferences.
- in the way that all of these activities and materials form an integrated teaching package where each component is used for the purpose to which is most suited.
Exploring science assumes you have some maths and science skills (up to GCSE level) to begin with.
You can check you have the appropriate background by trying out our interactive quiz Are You Ready for S104?
For further details on S104 please visit the OU Courses and Qualfications website.