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Accessibility statement
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.
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 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.
We recommend that you’ve passed Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) or be able to provide evidence that you have the required mathematical skills.
You’ll also need appropriate knowledge of basic physical sciences obtained through:
We recommend you first complete the following:
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:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
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 website.
Core physics (S227) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2032.
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