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Accessibility statement
Qualification dates
StartEnd
03 Oct 2026Jun 2027
Explore chemistry in the context of the natural world, from its role in the environment (in aqueous and atmospheric systems) to that in plants and animals (in proteins and metabolism). This module, which includes experimental work, builds on inorganic, physical and organic chemistry concepts, exploring the subtle interplay between molecular structure, chemical reactivity and their practical consequences. Application of this chemistry is considered, with topics ranging from materials, industrial and environmental catalysis and pollution control, to diagnostic and therapeutic medicine, as well as strategies for the synthesis and structural determination of organic molecules.
Chemistry has a significant and far-reaching impact on our daily lives. From its role in the natural world, our bodies and the environment, to its importance in the production of new materials and drugs, chemistry plays an integral part in our understanding of these processes and interactions.
This module is designed to stimulate your interest in chemistry and increase your knowledge and understanding of chemical principles through exploring the natural and ‘synthetic’ worlds. You will study important concepts in physical, inorganic, organic, and biological chemistry and explore how these concepts shape our understanding of the world around us.
The module is delivered online; audio, video and interactive activities are integrated throughout the text. The module is based on twelve topics, focusing on the three main themes underlying the module. Understanding the chemical processes that take place in the natural world, the focus of the first theme, is vital for the development and production of modern materials, medicine, and so on, the focus of the second theme. Key to both is an understanding of the structure of molecules and materials, and so this is explored in a third theme, related to structural determination.
Theme 1: Chemistry in the natural world
Knowledge of the role that chemistry plays in living systems is vital, both in understanding life processes themselves and in treating disease. Similarly, knowledge of how pH and pKa affect the interactivity and reactivity of chemical species present in solution is critical in our understanding of the natural environment and our impact.
Through this theme, you will explore:
Theme 2: Chemical reactivity: molecular design and synthesis
The guiding principles that govern whether, how and under what conditions substances will react with one another are of central importance in all areas of chemistry. They impact in many ways on modern life, from the production of vital everyday materials – drugs, fuels, plastics, fertilisers – to the control of pollution in our environment.
The principles derive from two of the most important cornerstones of physical chemistry: thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. A key aim of the module is to examine the practical consequences that arise as a direct result of the interplay between these two fundamental concepts.
Through this theme, you will explore:
Theme 3: Structural determination
The structure of a molecule, be it a protein or a drug, is integral to its function. Similarly, the ability to characterise the surface and study the interactions of molecules with the surface is essential to optimise the performance of solid catalysts.
Through this theme, you will explore:
Scientific skills
In addition, at appropriate points in your studies, you will undertake activities to develop your scientific skills through a mixture of onscreen practical investigations and scientific literacy activities. Use is made of online databases, those available through the library to investigate the scientific literature, and external sites such as the RCSB Protein Data Bank and associated visualisation tools/software.
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 chemistry obtained through:
Are you ready for S315?
We recommend that you’ve completed either:
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:
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; however, they are compulsory if you’re studying towards the BSc (Honours) Chemistry (R59). If you’re not studying towards the chemistry degree, the laboratory schools may be of interest if you wish to gain relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
Further information and instructions for booking are on the SS031 website.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying S315 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.
Chemistry: further concepts and applications (S315) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2025.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.
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