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Environmental science

This on-screen module spans biology, chemistry, earth science and physics, drawing them together in a holistic approach to studying the environment. You’ll investigate air, water, earth, life and cycles and explore the processes, interactions and feedback mechanisms operating within different environments. Practical experiences provided through multimedia interactive ‘virtual’ field trip activities and project work allow you to develop skills and apply your learning. By the end, you will be able to make critical analyses of environmental processes and structures, e.g. landforms, soils, water flows and habitats of flora and fauna, and comment on anthropogenic influences and their likely consequences.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

Browse qualifications in related subjects

Module

Module code

S206

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
2 8 5

Study method

Module cost

Entry requirements

Student Reviews

This is a very complex, heavy course. Extremely fast-paced and very detailed. If you're thinking as you're first level 2...
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Thank you so much for taking the time to study and review S206. Being a 60-credit OU level 2 module...
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This was an online module. I find this difficult, since annotating, underlining, etc. are impossible. Finding past material is also...
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What you will study

In this wide-ranging module you will learn about aspects of biology, chemistry, earth science and physics that can be applied to the study of the environment. But there is much more. The holistic nature of environmental science is stressed through studying the many links that operate between different environments.

To enrich and contextualise your studies, during each block you will apply what you have learnt to a series of topics which will allow you to explore specific environments, address environmental phenomena and processes or investigate environmental issues. These include: the oceans and ice, atmospheric chemistry, habitat conservation and eutrophication.

Online activities are used to support and reinforce your learning. Throughout your studies, you will take part in a virtual field trip to the catchment area of the River Teign in south Devon, in the UK. You will make observations and collect data about weather, landforms, rocks and soils, water flows and water analysis, and vegetation habitats, and assess the effect of human influences on the area.

The module centres on five subjects – Water, Air, Earth, Life and Cycles:

Block 1: Water
Water looks at the hydrological cycle, following the fate of rain as it falls, looking at different modes of interception and how they are measured. This is followed by a study of rivers: flows and changes in water composition as it moves from river source to ocean. Water also flows through and resides in the ground, and here you will investigate the interaction of this water with soils, at aquifers and springs. In this topic you will also look at water quality, water analysis and how we use water as a resource.

Block 2: Air
Air looks at the influence the atmosphere has on conditions at the earth’s surface. You’ll explore the components of air and how they interact with one another and with the earth, as well as the properties and phenomena that make up an everyday notion of the ‘weather’.

Block 3: Earth
Next you will look at aspects of earth: rocks, landforms and soils. The topic starts by seeing how rocks are formed with different compositions, in a variety of environments. This is followed by a study of weathering: rocks and the minerals of which they are composed undergo physical and chemical (and some biological) erosion, forming insoluble fragments and soluble ions. Natural environmental processes such as weathering and erosion are responsible for the evolution of landscapes and so this topic continues with an investigation of landforms. Finally, you will look at soils, which are more than simply a growing medium for plants; on land they are the critical interface between the organic and inorganic environments.

Block 4: Life
In this block you will study the variability of species distribution in different habitats, together with the fundamentals of sampling. In addition you will explore the requirements for growth for a variety of flora and fauna, along with the ability of an environment to supply these resources.

Block 5: Cycles
The last block widens the scope of the module to look at the earth’s overall systems. The rock cycle, biogeochemical cycles over short and long terms and the element cycles of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus are some of the aspects you will cover in this block.

Practical work
This module has two practical projects. In one, you’ll undertake individual project work; in the other, you’ll undertake a virtual field trip to the desert of New Mexico, USA. You’ll predict the consequences of climate change on the region’s flora and fauna, drawing on the skills you’ve developed in the module, together with visual, numerical and other data.

A limited number of places may be available (at extra cost) for you to participate in outdoor exercises and follow-up laboratory work at a residential field school. Further details are in the Field school section below.

You may attend a residential field school instead of completing the practical projects. Satisfactory completion of the practical projects or the field schools or a combination of the two is required if you want to gain credit for this module.

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.

Field school

This module has an optional residential field school and a virtual school.

There is no additional cost for the virtual school. However, the residential school fee for 2022/2023 was £201; you must also pay for your travel.

The Field Studies Council run the residential field school Vegetation and soils in the field. This three-day programme (at FSC Preston Montford in Shropshire and FSC Nettlecombe Court in Somerset) includes outdoor exercises and follow-up laboratory work.

This optional residential field school is primarily for students on environmental science qualifications, so spaces for S206 students will depend on capacity.

Instructions for booking will be on the module website.

Future availability

Environmental science (S206) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2023.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2024.

Regulations

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.

    Course work includes:

    6 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
    No residential school


    Entry requirements

    You need to have a good knowledge of science and basic maths – check if you’re ready for S206, with our self-assessed quiz.

    You’d normally be prepared by completing OU level 1 study as part of one of our science qualifications. For this module we recommend that you’ve passed Science: concepts and practice (S112), as it gives a broad foundation in the relevant science, maths and IT skills. Questions in science (S111) and Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116) are also appropriate if you’re confident in your maths skills.

    If you would like an idea of what the module involves before you register, you can access free from OpenLearn a section from the first block called ‘The oceans’.

    If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.

    Register

    Start End England fee Register
    07 Oct 2023 Jun 2024 £3462.00

    Registration closes 07/09/23 (places subject to availability)

    Register
    This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2024.

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    In the meantime, explore our overview of Fees and funding.

    Can you study an Access module for free?

    In order to qualify, you must:

    1. be resident in England
    2. have a personal income of less than £25,000 (or receive qualifying benefits)
    3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above, or completed 30 credits or more of OU study

    How to apply to study an Access module for free

    Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible.

    If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069 or you can request a call back.

    Not eligible to study for free?

    Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

    • monthly payments through OUSBA
    • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

    To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

    What's included

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

    • a week-by-week study planner
    • course-specific module materials
    • audio and video content
    • assessment details, instructions and guidance
    • online tutorial access
    • access to student and tutor group forums.

    The materials are also available in other formats including pdf, EPUB, interactive ebook (EPUB83), Kindle ebook and Microsoft Word should you wish to study on mobile devices.

    You will need

    You may need to draw diagrams or to annotate by hand diagrams that you download, and then use either a scanner or a digital camera to produce files of these diagrams for inclusion in your assessment.

    Computing requirements

    You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11), or macOS (11 'Big Sur' or higher).

    Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

    To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

    Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

    Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

    It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.

    If you have a disability

    The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying S206 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.