Introductory Level Courses
These short courses are presented 4 times a year and you can spread your studyover 2 months or longer - the choice is yours. They are ideal first courses forundergraduate study with the OU.
S194 Introducing Astronomy - a wide-ranging introduction to astronomy includingobservations of the night sky.
S196 Planets: an Introduction - an introduction to planets and minor bodies in oursolar system, as well as planets around other stars.
S197 How the Universe Works - topics in cosmology and particle physics explore theorigin and behaviour of the Universe.

Standard courses
These longer courses are presented from February each year and last for 9 months.The courses are intended for a wide range of people, and with proper preparationthey are suitable for anyone who has a general interest in astronomy, and who wantto develop their understanding of astronomy and planetary science - e.g. amateurastronomers, or schoolteachers who want to use the enormous attractiveness of thesubject matter to enhance their teaching of science (at all levels).
S282 Astronomy - covers the life cycles of the Sun and other stars; the Milky Wayand other galaxies; and the evolution of the Universe. It includes project work andcomputer-based multimedia activities.
S283 Planetary Science and the Search for Life - covers the origin and evolution ofthe solar system; planetary processes; and the structure and atmospheres ofplanets. It explores the search for extrasolar planets and the possibility of lifeexisting beyond the Earth.
S269 Earth and Life - If the cirumstances in which life might develop interests you, it could be you will find this course of interest; it explores the interplay between geology, climate and life on our planet.

Practical course
SXR208 Observing the Universe - based at the Observatori Astronomic de Mallorca,it includes guidance on observational techniques in astronomy and planetaryscience, then an intensive week-long programme of observations, data analysisand investigation at an observatory.

Other courses involving planetary science
S250 Science in Context - covers a range of scientific issues with a contemporary dimension, including two planetary science topics: Near-earth objects and Climate change.
S279 Our Dynamic Planet - explores the structure of the Earth, from its core to the atmosphere, and investigates how the Earth system works.

Advanced courses
S357 Space, Time and Cosmology - presents the topics of special and generalrelativity with application to the Big Bang, cosmology and black holes.
S381 The Energetic Universe- includes studies of the life and death of stars,interacting binary stars, and active galaxies, concentrating on the energeticprocesses that occur in these systems.

S369 - The Geological Record of Environmental Change - an advanced geology course, students will use rock specimens and other materials to discover how changes in the planet's systems can be tracked through study of the ground beneath our feet.

SXP390 Science Project Course: Radiation and Matter - intended for people who are coming to the end of an undergraduate science degree programme, participants undertake a specific investigation within the general area of ‘Radiation and matter’.