Fancy learning more about science? Try taking a course with the Open University.

For a list of all science courses visit the Science page on the OU Courses & Qualifications website or the OU Science Faculty site.

Science Short Courses (1st level)
Introducing Astronomy (S194)
Astronomy is often in the headlines with the regular occurrence of topics such as violent stellar explosions, distant galaxies and the ‘big bang'. This course will develop your understanding of such topics, with sections on planets, stars, galaxies, extraterrestrial life, and the origin of the universe. It will also develop your understanding of some aspects of science that you can apply to other situations.

Planets: An Introduction (S196)
Want to know more about planets? Although they have many characteristics in common, each of the planets in our solar system is different. This course concentrates on the planets and planet-sized objects in orbit around our own star (the Sun), but also delves into our rapidly advancing knowledge of planets of other stars. You will examine some of the amazingly detailed images of planetary surfaces available thanks to the space programme and modern telescopes. This course will also develop your understanding of some aspects of science that you can apply to other situations.

How the Universe Works (S197)
Have you ever wondered about the fundamental interactions that make the Universe work; or how the Universe came to be as it is; or how it may evolve in the future? This course presents answers to questions like these by introducing cosmology and particle physics at a level beyond the descriptive approach of many ‘coffee-table' books on the subject.

Maths for Science (S151)
Do you want to take a science course with the Open University or elsewhere, but worry that you lack confidence in using mathematics as a tool in science? Then this course could be for you.

Fossils and the History of Life (S193)
This course will give you a basic understanding of fossils and an overview of the history of life. It will enable you to explain how organisms become fossilized, help you to identify the common fossils you are likely to find, and show you where they fit into the story of evolution.

2nd level courses
Astronomy (S282)
How are stars born, and what happens when they die? How do galaxies form, and how do we know that the universe began in a 'big bang'? These are some of the questions explored in this introductory course. We look at the stars and their life cycles, galaxies and quasars, and the origin and evolution of the universe, and make use of computer-based resources to explore these topics. There is also some straightforward project work, based on your observations of the sky. A background in science and a modest amount of mathematics is required.

Planetary Science (S283)
This course tackles some fundamental questions about our solar system. How did the solar system form and how has it evolved? Why aren't all the planets like Earth? How and why did life arise on Earth? Has life arisen elsewhere in the solar system or beyond - could it be intelligent? We look at the exploration of the solar system by spacecraft; planetary processes such as volcanism and impacts; the structure of planets and their atmospheres; asteroids, comets and meteorites. You will use web-based resources and electronic conferencing extensively. Although the course is intended for a wide range of people, a background in science is required.