Planetary science and the search for life
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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.
What you will study
The module comprises two parts, each consisting of a full-colour book. Web-based material supports and extend the two parts and is an integral part of 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 about 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. Throughout this first part, you will see how our knowledge has been added to from a wide range of space missions.
A range of 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 with a look 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 own solar system that may have the right conditions for life, and examine how we might go about deciding if there is, or has ever been, life elsewhere in the Solar System. Moving on from our own 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 examine the possibility of intelligent life existing elsewhere in the Universe and look at humankind’s attempts to search for it.
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, there are some basic mathematical skills that you’ll need to study the module successfully. The mathematics includes:
- simple algebra and graphs
- powers of ten
- graphs showing relationships between values of two quantities
- angles measured in both degrees and radians
- the sine and cosine of an angle
- simple algebraic equations.
You should be competent with a scientific calculator.
Are you ready for S283?
Preparatory work
We recommend you’ve completed:
Or:
- Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) – this exceeds the level of mathematics required for S283. However, if you plan to progress to OU level 3 physics and astronomy, we recommend you study this module.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials and activities
- audio and video content
- assessment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
- access to discussion forums.
You’ll also be provided with two printed module books, each covering one of the two parts of study.
You will need
A scientific calculator.
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.