About the Faculty

I would like to welcome you to the Faculty of Science at the Open University. The Faculty is commited to the delivery of scientific education and knowledge of the highest quality, and aims to position the University as a global authority in providing scientific answers to complex political, social and economic uncertainties.

The Faculty has developed an extensive range of modules using the Open University's supported open learning teaching model. These modules contribute to a number of qualifications such as the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences and the more general BSc (Open) degree. In addition, the Faculty supports a number of diplomas and certificates including interdisciplinary offerings with other faculties. Students can choose to study any of our modules and qualifications at their own pace and are supported by tutors, study advisers and on-line conferences. There are optional face to face tutorials for some modules, but many of our modules are accessible entirely online and it is possible to complete the whole Natural Sciences BSc degree in this way. This level of accessibility means that the Faculty supports a large proportion of all the part-time undergraduate degree studies undertaken in the UK.

In addition to our degree level programmes, the Faculty offers an innovative range of Science Short Courses that are designed to provide a taster of Level 1 study for those new to undergraduate study.

The Faculty also offers a Master's postgraduate degree programme with several taught degrees including the first UK MSc to be accredited by the Council of Graduate Schools as a Professional Science Master's.

The launch of a new suite of modules in Practical Science (S288) in February 2012 sees an exciting opportunity for engaging in practical science through online environments and laboratory and field-based activities. The five modules reflect each of the five major disciplines: chemistry and analysis (SXC288); environmental science (SXE288); earth and environment (SXG288); biology and health (SXL288) and physics and astronomy (SXP288). Two promotional videos outlining these new modules are available to view - S288 Practical Science.

The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics, bringing together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas through two major research groupings:

Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research

•  Astronomy

•  Environmental Change (Past, Present and Future)

•  Natural Hazards

•  Physics

•  Planetary Geosciences

•  Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry

•  Solar System Exploration

Biomedical Research Network (new website under construction)

•  Biomolecular Damage

•  Biopsychology

•  Cell Biology

•  Disease and Diagnostics

•  Neuroscience

Our research encompasses a wide range from 'blue skies' to applied research finding solutions to specific scientific and technological problems.

These research activities are supported by world class laboratory facilities and instrumentation and provide opportunities for full time PhD research studentships supported by our own academics and post doctoral research fellows.

There are about 48,000 students studying our undergraduate and postgraduate science modules, mainly based in the UK, but increasing numbers are studying online globally. There are also several hundred PhD research students studying full time in our laboratories at our campus in Milton Keynes or part time at partner institutions or affiliated research centres.

I hope you find the information on our website useful, whether it be for study, research, collaboration or advice.

Hazel Rymer
Dean and Director of Studies (Science)