Taking It Further: Courses
Listening harder
David Robinson reveals the challenges of research with animals we can’t see and sounds we can’t hear.
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Why is Charles Darwin commonly held up as the father of the theory of evolution? ...
Continue reading: The creation of evolution
First steps
Even Einstein had to start somewhere - discover the OU's gentle introductions to studying science.
If you've had your interest in studying stimulated by the Material World reports on field research, here's some ideas about how to start studying for yourself:
Environmental science in the field
The main element of the course is a one-week, field-based residential school that introduces practical skills appropriate to the study of environmental science. The school programme concentrates on interactions and feedbacks in the environment, including landforms, soil types, water quality, vegetation and anthropogenic influences. Tutorials and laboratory sessions support the field studies.
Ecosystems can range in size from a simple microbial community to the biodiverse rain forests of the tropics. Even the Earth as a whole may be considered an ecosystem. The course draws on a range of such examples to provide you with an insight into the functioning of ecosystems and an understanding of their resilience to anthropogenic changes, such as pollution and climate change.
Introducing astronomy
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.
Exploring science
What is causing global warming? Why are some countries plagued by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions while others suffer none? How do drugs work? How does the Sun provide energy for life on Earth? Why is biodiversity important? How do plants and animals evolve? What rules does the Universe follow? Might there be life elsewhere in the Universe? You’ll investigate these and other exciting questions in this course.
Volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis
If you’ve ever been intrigued or affected by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes or tsunamis and want to find out more about why they happen and what they do, then this is the course for you.
Content last updated: 31/08/2005
