The Science Faculty's undergraduate curriculum is organised according to key discipline groupings, providing a wide choice of study pathways to degree level qualifications.
The Natural Sciences degree (B64) provides a range of opportunities for students who wish to study science at the OU. You can specialise in your preferred field of science by following one of several subject-specific study pathways through the new degree, and your specialism will be reflected in your degree transcript.
This BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences (B64) is available globally and will offer a variety of different options for studying practical science.
The degree replaces the Faculty's current degrees in Natural Sciences (B16), Geosciences (B25), Life Sciences (B28), Molecular Science (B26) and Physical Science (B27). These five honours degrees will be available only for the next three years - up to the end of 2014 - so please note that at this stage you would be able to complete one of these only if you have already started or if you are able to claim credit from any previous higher-education you've successfully completed elsewhere. You would not be able to start from scratch and complete them in the time available.
If you're new to OU study
If you're a new student looking to embark on a degree in science, we strongly advise you to register for the new Natural Sciences degree (B64). For this, our recommended starting point is S104 Exploring science. Honours degrees in Environmental Science (B52) and Health Sciences (B71) are also available, together with a range of certificates and diplomas including Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education.
Full details of all our Science qualifications are available on the Study at the OU website.
If you're currently studying science with the OU
You will already have received updates on the Faculty's undergraduate qualifications via your StudentHome mailbox, the Science Programme website noticeboard and the Science Prospectus 2010/2011. All science courses that count as modules towards our current degrees will be transferable to the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences (B64).
If you are already a registered student you can access the Science Programme website for more information to help you in your studies.
Preparing for Study
We are committed to providing comprehensive course choice advice and as part of this we produce self-diagnostic materials for every 30 and 60 point course (and sometimes for the shorter courses) to help prospective students establish their preparedness. Click on the Are You Ready For Science link on the right for more information.
After Study
Some of our courses and qualifications can help you to gain entry to or memberships of certain professional bodies, or exempt you from their academic requirements. We have produced a range of Recognition Leaflets that detail all the professional bodies whose policies we know about.