Science project module: chemistry
Qualification dates
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In this module, you’ll undertake individual investigations within a range of topics such as combinatorial chemistry, fuel cells, nanotechnology, biopolymers, porous materials or transactinides, metals in medicine, drug design and synthesis, and chemical education. These topics can be a literature review or a practical project. You’ll need access to scientific literature, probably from electronic library sources. The study materials guide planning and conducting project work, searching and using the literature, and writing a report.
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 to investigate in depth. Your chosen topic will allow you to exploit the knowledge, understanding and skills you have developed in the molecular sciences OU level 3 modules. Your project will need to consider contextualisation, development, application, detailed analysis and ‘where next’ for your chosen topic. You might have to spend up to two-thirds of your time identifying suitable material to inform your choice of project topic in the early part of the module.
Once you’ve settled on a project idea, you’ll audit the knowledge and skills required to complete your project and identify ways of developing areas that need improvement. You’ll also produce a project plan (your study planner for the duration of the module) and complete assessments for your investigation.
After you complete the initial planning, you’ll start the literature collection or practical experiments. You’ll follow this with the final phase of writing up 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, guide 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 chemistry obtained through:
- OU level 1 to 3 study
- equivalent work at another higher education institution.
Are you ready for SXC390
Preparatory work
We recommend you’ve completed:
We also recommend familiarising yourself with the Library search tool and referencing guide.
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. 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.