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)
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.

Life in the Oceans: Exploring Our Blue Planet (S180)
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? Find out in this course which is linked to the spectacular Blue Planet BBC TV series.

Studying Mammals (S182)
This specially-made course, which is linked with Sir David Attenborough's Life of Mammals television series, gives you the opportunity to learn about these diverse and fascinating animals at a level beyond what is possible from watching the TV series alone.

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.

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.

Introduction to the Human Genome (S195)
This course deals with a subject in the headlines - the human genome, which is an area at the forefront of developments in medical science. The human genome contains all the genes found in the cells of a human being. Our characters, including our appearance, depend on the functions of genes.

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.