This practical module comprises three live experiments collecting data from remote equipment, from an optical telescope in Tenerife to infrared and X-ray spectrometers based in Milton Keynes. Investigations cover aspects as diverse as the analysis of star clusters, estimation of the charge-to-mass ratio of the electron and analysis of planetary atmospheres. The module builds your expertise in practical investigation, experimental design, hypothesis testing, data processing and report writing. A key skill you’ll develop is using Python programming for processing, plotting and data analysis.
You’ll conduct three remote experiments (working in small groups of 2–5) to control the hardware and collect data. You’ll learn to process your data with Python, interpret the results, and write up your work as technical reports.
Remote investigations parallel the way many modern scientific investigations are conducted. It’s no longer necessary to travel to a remote mountaintop to use the latest telescope – instead, you can book time and control equipment remotely. Space-based explorations, such as a space telescope or a Mars rover, are also operated remotely. The remote experimentation skills you’ll develop in this module are directly relevant to building your employability in the STEM sector.
Cooperation and group work are also characteristic features of research and commercial activity. Large-scale enterprises like the Large Hadron Collider or the Mars Curiosity rover can operate only if many people work together. By working with fellow students and supported by research experts, you’ll achieve more than anyone working alone. You’ll develop vital employability skills in communication, collaboration and professional teamwork.
You’ll find more details on each of the live experimental components below:
Astronomy: Exploring the Milky Way
In this investigation, you’ll use an optical telescope (PIRATE or COAST) to investigate the properties of star clusters in different parts of our galaxy, the Milky Way. You’ll obtain optical photometry in two wavebands of open and globular star clusters, from which you’ll compile colour-magnitude diagrams to estimate properties such as the ages and distances of the clusters.
You’ll typically work with four other students, supported by experts in optical astronomy and the use of robotic telescopes.
You must choose from the two options (Observer mode or Queue-scheduled mode) at the start of the module. We’ll provide complete descriptions of both modes and a discussion forum to help you choose. Places for Observer mode may be limited, so book early to maximise your chances of getting an observing session if this is your preferred choice.
Physics: Electron–photon interactions
This activity, about charged particles and radiation, is split into two investigations.
In the first investigation, you’ll use an interactive screen experiment (ISE) to measure the deflection of a beam of electrons in a magnetic field. You’ll use this to measure a fundamental property of the electron – its charge-to-mass ratio.
The second investigation is a live experiment in which you’ll use remotely controlled apparatus in a lab at the OU campus. You’ll investigate the process of Compton scattering – the interaction of X-ray photons with individual electrons. During your studies of the Compton effect, you’ll be recreating a Nobel Prize-winning experiment and confirming a fundamental result in quantum mechanics.
This activity will develop your skills in conducting practical investigations, including equipment calibration, handling experimental errors, and presenting and interpreting results.
Planetary science: Exploring Mars’s atmosphere and surface
This investigation is centred around an imagined space mission to Mars. In the first phase, you’ll carry out a live experiment using infrared spectroscopy to qualitatively and quantitively characterise the properties of planetary atmospheres. You’ll use technology designed by researchers at the OU and flown on the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission.
The second part of the investigation concerns geological processes on planetary surfaces. Using genuine data from NASA’s Mars rovers, you’ll learn how to process and extract information from public domain datasets. You’ll use this to model processes such as the production and evolution of the atmosphere and surface features of another planet.
Team project: Designing a future space mission
Towards the end of the module, you’ll complete a six-week team-based project involving the design of a future space mission. This activity will build on your knowledge of experimental design and instrumentation, whilst also developing your teamwork skills. You’ll work collaboratively with your team using various communication methods, including scheduled online forums.
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 mathematics and physics obtained through:
Are you ready for SXPS288?
We recommend that you’ve completed the following modules:
The following modules are also helpful but not essential:
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:
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 SXPS288 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.
Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2030.
Back to previous page