If Nature of Britain and Breathing Places has inspired you, why not follow some of our weblinks and find out about some OU courses?

Weblinks

Identifying UK species

Reptiles and Amphibians
Plants
Mosses, liverworts and hornworts

Pond dipping

Discover all about pond-dipping and species you might find at Nature Grid, and - for children - at Kids Ark.

Urbanisation

See a visual representation of how England and Wales have become increasingly urban.

Butterflies and moths

Discover how to identify butterflies and day-flying moths, and get involved in monitoring schemes at Butterfly Conservation.

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Open University courses

Short courses

Life in the Oceans
This course is linked to the spectacular Blue Planet BBC–TV series. Using a variety of media, it deals with key questions:

• What are the challenges of living in the oceanic environment, and how have marine organisms adapted to cope with them?
• Why do some parts of the ocean constantly teem with life, while others have seasonal bursts of activity?
• How have our ideas about the deep ocean environment evolved? And why do discoveries in the abyssal depths continue to amaze us?

Studying Mammals
You will learn more about how mammals differ biologically from other animals; about the social habits of different mammals, their modes of feeding and reproduction; and to what extent their survival is threatened by human interference and exploitation.

Level one courses

Suitable as entry level for study

Introducing Environment
Environmental concerns often appear in the news, and it can be difficult to tell what matters, or what choices we have. This introductory short course looks at the science and technology, from food chains and farming to sustainability and ecofootprints. The jargon is explained, with real-life examples, interviews and documentary video.

Exploring Science
This course explores a range of topics including the origin of life, genetics, evolution and biodiversity; sources of energy and global warming; earthquakes and volcanoes; food and drugs; the structure of atoms and the origin of the universe. Important scientific concepts and skills are developed in the context of these topics. Exploring Science can be taken as a single course and provides the foundation for the study of science at higher levels.

Practising Science – a residential course
On this residential course students undertake interdisciplinary scientific investigations in laboratories and at a field location. The one week school is normally offered in Edinburgh and Brighton, with a choice of dates in July.

Science starts here
Are you interested in studying science and wonder whether distance learning is right for you? Science starts here is specifically for people who have done little or no science or maths in the past. Through exploring the role that water plays in sustaining life – from the journey of a glass of water in the body to the effects of pollution, the course provides a gentle introduction to the basic maths and scientific vocabulary.

Fossils and the history of life
Covers how organisms become fossilised, it will help you to identify common fossils and show you where they fit into the story of evolution.

Working with our environment: Technology for a sustainable future
If you are concerned about your impact on the environment and global environmental issues, then this course offers an introduction to the technical, human and social aspects of environmental issues. It considers the role of technology in both contributing to and tackling environmental issues.

Digital Photography: Creating and sharing better images
Whether you’re new to digital photography or want to improve your existing skills, this online course will develop your ability to create and share digital images. The course will teach you the key principles of capturing digital images and help you develop a portfolio to be proud of.

Level two courses

Biology: Uniformity and Diversity
This course introduces a variety of topics across the whole field of modern biology, emphasising that it is a science firmly grounded in observation and experiment. It looks at the common features underlying the enormous diversity of life forms and applies these principles to plants, microbes and animals.

Environmental Science
This wide-ranging course draws together biology, chemistry, Earth science and physics. This will help you to develop a holistic approach encompassing the processes, links, interactions and feedback mechanisms that operate within different environments. The course features two multimedia interactive field trips, in which you can explore an area visually, observe habitats, gather data and analyse your observations.

Environmental Science in the Field – a residential course
During this residential course you visit a variety of sites where you apply your knowledge of biology, chemistry, Earth science and physics to study interactions and feedback in the environment, including landforms, soils, water and vegetation. These field studies are supported by laboratory sessions in which you analyse your observations and the data that you have gathered. The one week school offers a choice of dates and sites, from May to August.

Geology
A home kit (minerals, rocks, fossils, a polarising microscope and geological maps) and teaching materials on DVD all contribute to this practical introduction to geology.

The geological history of the British Isles – a residential course
This residential course includes field trips to a variety of sites of geological interest, with laboratory sessions and tutorials in the evenings. There is an accompanying book that gives a brief outline of the geological history of the British Isles, with special emphasis on the area you see during the residential week. The one-week course is held at a UK university (probably Durham), with a choice of dates in July and early August.