Accessibility Statement for Science, technology and maths Access module: fast track (YXFT033)

Mode of study

The first block of this module is delivered in print, but is also available online as a PDF or Word document. Blocks 2 and 3 of this module’s study materials are entirely online. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images, audio and video clips up to 30 minutes long (all with transcripts/subtitles), diagrams, interactive media, animations, and multiple-choice self-assessed quizzes. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms. You will also use an online application where you will keep a portfolio of the work you do. Printed materials are provided for some module content.

Tuition strategy

You will have a tutor who will keep in touch through email, telephone or online means, based on your preference. Tutorials are conducted on a one-to-one basis between you and your tutor. You may have an opportunity to experience a group tutorial and use online rooms later in the module. Your tutor will help you plan your work and think about the ideas explored in the module. Your tutor will also comment on and help you with your written work. At the end of the module, you will discuss your progress with your tutor, and you will work together to review your learning.

Working with others

You will have the opportunity to work with other students. This may include looking at and commenting on others’ work and reflecting on others’ comments on your work.

Practical work

Online and field-based practical work forms a required component of assessment. You'll be introduced to the use of an online application for sharing your work with other students, called OpenStudio. Alternative study materials and advice on accessing the studio have been prepared to enable students with visual impairments or limited manual dexterity to successfully study the module. Some simple home experiments will require some basic kitchen, DIY or garden equipment. If you are unable to undertake the experiments, we will provide alternative ways to enable you to take part.

Depending on the options you choose later in the module, computer-based practical work using special software (see the Specialist software section below) may be required and form a component of assessment. If you choose to study computing as part of the module, you will be introduced to programming using a visual programming language, which is not fully accessible to students with visual impairment. Students with little or no sight will require extra time and, in many cases, the assistance of a sighted helper.

Mathematical and scientific expressions and notations

Mathematical and scientific symbols and expressions are used throughout the module and you will be required to use such notation within assessment.

Diagrams and other visual content

The study materials contain a considerable number of diagrams, graphs and photographs as well as video content. Reading, interpreting and producing these are an important part of the study of this module and some of these form part of the assessment. Figure descriptions are provided for all figures while transcripts and/or subtitles are provided for most videos.

Finding information

You may be required to search for and make use of third-party material online. Please contact us if you have any concerns about this aspect of your learning.

Specialist reading material

In this module you will be working with specialist reading material such as mathematical notation. These are delivered online and in printed form.  Equation descriptions are provided in most cases.

Assessment

This module has Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). The first TMA can be submitted in hard copy, but subsequent TMAs should be submitted online via the OU electronic TMA system.

Feedback

You will receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.

Schedule

All University modules are structured according to a set timetable and you will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. You will be supported in developing these skills.

Specialist software

Some of the software tools used on this module may not be fully accessible. The module materials and assessment ask you to use the following specialist software, depending on the options you choose while studying the module: Scratch (a visual programming language), which may not be fully accessible as a result. Students with little or no sight will require extra time and, in many cases, the assistance of a sighted helper. Explore more about Scratch at scratch.mit.edu.