In this module, you’ll undertake an independent practical or data-based investigation to research an area of biology of your choice. You’ll develop a research question, design your investigation, collect data (in the field, at home, in a laboratory, or online), analyse it and produce a scientific report. Possible research areas include animal behaviour, human or animal health, plant growth and physiology, biodiversity, and gene expression. This project module is a chance for you to plan and execute a piece of research and showcase the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through study.
What you will study
Early in the module, the study materials, tutorials and discussions with your tutor will guide you to identify a suitable topic and develop a research question. We’ll provide some examples of topics you could investigate; however, you can choose a topic from any suitable area of biology in agreement with your tutor. Your chosen research area is likely to be informed by your previous studies and experience. Possible research areas include animal behaviour, human or animal health, plant growth and physiology, biodiversity, and gene expression. Your project will involve collecting primary data (in the field, at home, or in a laboratory at your workplace) or using secondary data from online sources. Additionally, you’ll search scientific literature to identify research to provide context for your investigation.
Once you’ve settled on a project idea, you’ll audit the knowledge and skills required to complete your project and identify ways to develop improvement areas. You’ll also produce a project plan (your study planner for the duration of the module) and complete risk and ethical assessments for your investigation.
After you complete the initial planning, you’ll start the data collection and analysis process. You’ll follow this with the final phase of writing your report, submitted as part of your end-of-module assessment. The study materials guide planning and conducting project work, help with searching and using literature, data analysis and report writing. Tutorials provide further guidance and support.
Throughout the module, you’ll keep a reflective log to help you track and reflect on your progress. You’ll record any problems you encounter and develop actions, with help from your tutor, to help you move forward.
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 biology obtained through:
OU level 1 to 3 study
equivalent work at another higher education institution.
Are you ready for SXB390?
Preparatory work
We recommend that you’ve completed:
The biology of survival (S295) and
Biological science: from genes to species (S317).
The parts relating to investigation design are especially relevant.
We also recommend familiarising yourself with the Library search tool and referencing guide.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
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 with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). 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.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying SXB390 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.
Future availability
Science project module: biology (SXB390) starts once a year – in January/February.
It will next start in January 2027.
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.