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Core physics

The role of physics is to explain the behaviour of the world around us – from everyday objects to cosmic phenomena. This module introduces you to the fundamental physics concepts powering modern innovation. You’ll explore motion mechanics and heat dynamics, investigate invisible fields and wave behaviour, and venture into the mind-bending realms of quantum physics and relativity. Through solving real-world physics problems, you’ll sharpen your analytical thinking and mathematical abilities while developing essential communication skills. These foundations will prepare you to delve deeper into the fascinating universe of physical sciences.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

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

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Module

Module code

S227

Credits

60

Study level

Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
2 9 5

Study method

Module cost

Entry requirements

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What you will study

Topic 1: Motion in space
First, you’ll explore the fundamental physics topic of force and motion, uncovering how objects move and interact. You’ll learn to model and predict motion, describe the effects of different forces, and understand mechanical processes from football kicks to planetary orbits.

Topic 2: Particle collisions
Equipped with an understanding of force and motion, you’ll next examine what happens when objects collide. Using conservation laws, you’ll describe complex mechanical processes and, with an introduction to relativity, understand how these interactions can change at incredibly high speeds, such as in particle accelerators.

Topic 3: Thermal and statistical mechanics
The third topic takes your understanding of the motion of single particles and interactions between a few particles and looks at the collective behaviour of many particles. Using a theoretical ‘ideal’ gas as a model, you’ll encounter the four laws of thermodynamics and understand their application in familiar devices, from engines to refrigerators and heat pumps.

Topic 4: Force fields
You’ll next investigate the mysterious concepts of forces and fields. Gravity, electricity and magnetism all act at a distance, moving objects without contact – learn how to visualise these unseen actors and understand how and why they work.

Topic 5: Waves and interference
Similar to fields, waves emanate out from their point of origin. You’ll learn about different wave types, how they interact, and how they can be harnessed and applied in the real world, from musical instruments to retinal scanners.

Topic 6: Quantum physics
The world around us is classical and certain, but it’s built of microscopic quantum building blocks that are fundamentally unpredictable. In this topic, you’ll explore this inherent quantum uncertainty and the blurring between particle and wave objects, particularly the photon, a particle of light, and investigate how this interacts with matter.

Vocational relevance

You’ll develop transferable skills and competencies in communication, digital literacy, numeracy and problem-solving, plus build personal attributes and behaviours, including initiative, resilience, self-confidence and self-management. Problem-solving abilities in physical sciences and mathematical and communication skills are advantageous in roles requiring a precise and quantitative approach.

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 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.

Assessment

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

Future availability

Core physics (S227) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2032.

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:

5 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
Examination


Entry requirements

We recommend you’ve passed Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) or be able to provide evidence you have the required mathematical skills.

You’ll also need appropriate knowledge of basic physical sciences obtained through:

  • OU level 1 study
  • equivalent work at another higher education institution.

Preparatory work

We recommend you first complete the following:

Register

Start End England fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 £3892.00

Registration closes 11/09/25 (places subject to availability)

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2032.

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

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

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 and funded places are still available.

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
  • assignment details and submission section
  • online tutorial access
  • student and tutor group forums
  • access to our online OpenSTEM labs.

You’ll also receive a booklet with extended topic summaries, key equations and additional exercises.

You will need

  • Basic scientific calculator.
  • Camera or scanner to record digital images of your work.

Computing requirements

  • Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
  • Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
  • Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
  • Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying S227 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 pages.