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Science project course: geosciences

In this module, you’ll investigate and produce an in-depth literature-based or practical-based project on an aspect of geosciences. Topics can include natural hazards (e.g. atmospheric and hydrologic hazards, earthquakes, landslides, meteorite impacts, volcanoes and tsunamis) and past environmental change. You’ll undertake individual investigations and need access to scientific literature from electronic library sources. For practical-based projects, you’ll collect primary or secondary data on a geosciences topic that interests you. We provide complete guidance to the skills needed for project work.

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

SXG390

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.
30

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
3 10 6

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

Early in the module, the study materials, tutorials and discussions with your tutor will guide you to select a specific aspect of your chosen topic to investigate in depth. Initial decisions may be whether to undertake a literature- or practical-based project. For the latter, you may want to decide whether it is a field, laboratory, online database project, or combination. This form will depend on the facilities available to you and the topic area you choose. Deciding on your project will be an iterative process after reading the online study materials, doing some early research and discussing your ideas with your tutor (the most vital part).

You might have to spend up to two-thirds of your time identifying suitable material to inform your choice of project topic in the early part of the module. In discussion with your tutor, you’ll define your investigation that must address the relevant themes for your project type (e.g. for geohazards: the cause, effect and mitigation of your chosen natural hazard; if you choose the past environmental change topic, you’ll need to address the description, interpretation, process and implications of your chosen change). For any practical-based project, the themes are contextualisation of the project in geoscience literature, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and where next (project limitations and future research ideas).

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 and develop your project.
  • 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

Science project course: geosciences (SXG390) starts once a year – in January/February.

This page describes the module that will start in February 2026.

We expect it to start for the last time in February 2030.

This module ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in late October rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your degree as an entry qualification.

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:

3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment


Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this module.

At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, you’ll need appropriate knowledge of geology obtained through:

  • OU level 1 to 3 study
  • equivalent work at another higher education institution.

Are you ready for SXG390?

Preparatory work

We recommend you’ve completed:

We also recommend familiarising yourself with the Library search tool and referencing guide.

Register

Start End England fee Register
07 Feb 2026 Sep 2026 £1946.00

Registration closes 08/01/26 (places subject to availability)

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in February 2030.

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

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 SXG390 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.