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Accessibility statement
Qualification dates
StartEnd
11 Apr 2026Sept 2026
This is the first of two computer science modules introducing fundamental computing concepts and equipping you with a comprehensive toolbox of relevant knowledge, understanding and skills. While building confidence in your mathematics capabilities, you’ll learn about various computing technologies, including basic computer hardware and software. You’ll develop problem-solving skills as you get familiar with Python programming, analyse real-world data and conduct a programming project. You’ll also develop employability and key skills and start to explore the legal, social and ethical challenges of computing technologies. On completion, you’ll have a firm foundation for further study.
This module comprises three themes:
Theme 1: Problem-solving with Python
This theme introduces programming, algorithmic thinking, and problem-solving. You’ll work with the Python programming language, undertaking hands-on activities to progressively build your skills and confidence. You'll also be introduced to various problem-solving strategies, which you’ll practise as part of your project.
You’ll:
Theme 2: Building mathematical foundations
The second theme builds essential mathematical skills. These skills support the programming and problem-solving activities and provide a foundation for the maths concepts and techniques you’ll meet in other modules.
You’ll:
Theme 3: Essential topics in computing
Theme 3 covers key topics essential for a broad understanding of computing and computer science-related subjects.
You’ll:
The themes are interleaved, so while you’ll focus on one theme each week, you’ll focus on a different theme each week. Moving between themes allows you to revisit and strengthen your understanding of the concepts and skills of each theme over the course of the module, as problem-solving and programming skills especially require continued practice to develop.
In addition to the subject-specific knowledge and skills you’ll gain, you’ll develop study skills essential for this module and later ones. Plus, employability skills to help you plan and manage your personal and professional development.
You can only study this module as part of one of the following qualifications:
There are no formal entry requirements for the above qualifications.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a 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 skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study, we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success.
You need no previous programming experience for this module, but you need to be interested in using a computer for problem-solving and learning how to program.
To help assess whether you have the appropriate skills for this module, you can try this quiz. Are you ready for TM110?
For the duration of the module (21 weeks), you should expect to spend about 11 hours each week working on the module and its assessment and a further three hours each week on self-directed study.
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:
A one-to-one online discussion with your tutor forms part of your second assignment (TMA).
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying TM110 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.
Computing fundamentals 1: concepts and Python programming (TM110) starts twice a year – in October and April.
It will next start in April 2026 and October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in April 2032.
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