To begin, you’ll develop your understanding of different scales – particularly those that are much larger or smaller than will be familiar to you. You’ll then meet concepts and principles in classical and quantum physics and the space sciences through the nine topics. Alongside each topic, you’ll practise your maths skills, applying them to problems in physical sciences. You’ll also be introduced to computer coding, using the Python programming language.
Topic 1 – Forces around you
You’ll explore the types of forces encountered in everyday life, including elastic and frictional forces, as well as gravitational and electromagnetic forces.
Topic 2 – An introduction to energy
You’ll meet the concept of energy and the idea of energy conservation. You’ll learn about some of the different forms that energy can take, including kinetic energy and potential energy, as well as the notions of work and heat.
Topic 3 – Material worlds
You’ll examine how the microscopic structure of materials – at the level of atoms, ions, and electrons – explains some of how materials behave, through the concept of chemical bonding.
Topic 4 – The quantum realm
This topic will introduce you to the world of quantum phenomena, including the uncertainty principle, wave-particle duality and quantum numbers in atoms – leading to an understanding of the periodic table.
Topic 5 – Energy in society
You’ll explore different fuel sources and examine how energy is used to heat homes and transport.
Topic 6 – Nuclei and particles
You’ll learn about the subatomic components of the world around us, including radioactivity, the fundamental particles of matter, and the processes that govern their interactions.
Topic 7 – Components of the Universe
You’ll explore the galaxies, stars and planets that make up the Universe and understand how astronomers can study objects that are very distant from Earth, including exoplanets and dark matter.
Topic 8 – Exploring the Solar System
You’ll discover how the various planets, moons, asteroids and comets of our Solar System are explored using landers and remote-sensing spacecraft.
Topic 9 – How the Universe works
You’ll learn about the expansion and cooling of the Universe, how it evolved from the Big Bang to the present day, and its likely future.
Practical work
Some topics include home-based experiments, which you’ll carry out using everyday items. You’ll also conduct two online practical activities: based on data from a weather station and using a radioactive particle detector called a cloud chamber. The online activities provide opportunities for collaborative teamwork with your fellow students.
Computer programming
You’ll also be introduced to computer coding, using the Python programming language. Throughout your learning, in a series of dedicated study weeks, you’ll develop your understanding of coding and apply your newly developed skills to write simple programs to solve physical science problems.
You’ll learn key physics, astronomy and planetary science concepts and develop your scientific thinking. You’ll learn fundamentals of computer programming relevant for applications in physical sciences and practice applying your mathematical skills to problems in physical sciences. You’ll also develop your skills for learning online, working collaboratively, and reflecting on your own development.
While exploring various interesting topics, you’ll develop problem-solving abilities and improve your computing, mathematical and communication skills. These are valued in all work contexts, particularly jobs requiring a precise and quantitative approach.
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:
Your TMAs comprise 39% of your overall score. We’ll assess you on the activities you complete, as well as practical and computer-programming tasks.
Your exam result contributes 61% to your overall score. The exam is based on materials such as articles, data, figures and graphs. These materials are available in advance to help you prepare. As well as assessing your knowledge and skills, the exam gives you practice for exams in future modules.
The School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences offers optional laboratory schools in Milton Keynes at an additional cost. Laboratory schools are not part of this module but may be of interest if you wish to gain relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
Further information and instructions for booking are on the SS011 website.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
SM123 is an option module in our:
Physics and space (SM123) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.
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.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
