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Accessibility statement
This module tackles fundamental questions about our solar system. How did it form, and how has it evolved? Why aren’t all the planets like Earth? How and why did life arise on Earth? Has life appeared elsewhere in the Solar System or beyond, and could it be intelligent? You’ll look at the exploration of the Solar System by spacecraft; planetary processes such as volcanism and impacts; the structure of planets and their atmospheres; and asteroids, comets and meteorites.
The module comprises two parts, each consisting of a full-colour book. Web-based material supports and extends the two parts and is integral to the module.
An Introduction to the Solar System: we begin with a look at our own Solar System, examining the layout of the planets and their basic physical properties. You will learn about the structure and origin of the Solar System, and the differences and similarities between Solar System bodies, from meteorites, asteroids and comets to the giant gas planets such as Jupiter and Saturn. You will also see how planetary processes such as impact cratering and volcanism have shaped the surfaces of many bodies in the Solar System, and explore the processes at work in the atmospheres of both terrestrial and giant planets. This first part shows how our knowledge has been added to a wide range of space missions.
Various activities support this first part, including extensive computer and web-based activities. For example, you will use computer spreadsheets to investigate some of the theoretical ideas that are presented in the module. The web provides a source of up-to-date information about planetary geology, space missions and experiments, and we will keep you abreast of developments by links to relevant web-based material on the module website.
An Introduction to Astrobiology: Earth, given our present state of knowledge, is unique in that it sustains a diverse range of life. But how does a habitable planet arise, and what are the chances of other Earth-like planets elsewhere in the Universe? These are the exciting topics of a rapidly advancing field of planetary science known as astrobiology. We begin this second part by looking at how life might have arisen on Earth, where the basic building blocks for life came from and how widespread these might be in the Universe. You will learn about other bodies in our solar system that may have the right conditions for life, and examine how we might decide if there is, or has ever been, life elsewhere in the Solar System. Moving on from our solar system, we will examine the methods used to assess and characterise planets around other stars and consider what proportion of these may be capable of sustaining life. Finally, we will discuss the possibility of intelligent life existing elsewhere in the Universe and look at humankind’s attempts to search for it.
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, there are some basic mathematical skills that you’ll need to study the module successfully. The mathematics includes:
You should be competent with a scientific calculator.
Are you ready for S283?
We recommend that you’ve completed:
Or:
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:
TMAs provide regular, targeted feedback to help you learn and assess your progress. You'll send answers to your tutor in response to detailed questions and problems addressing various topics.
Your final result is determined by your exam result; however, you must also achieve specific pass marks in your TMAs to pass.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
We also provide physical:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying S283 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.
Planetary science and the search for life (S283) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start, for the final time, in October 2026.
Our new module, Planetary science (S287), will replace this module from October 2027.
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