This online module provides an innovative introduction to designing experiments and interpreting results. These are key scientific skills that you will learn by devising and performing experiments at home. You will not be alone in your task. Collaboration is important in science and you will work with a small group that, for part of the module, discusses experimental design, collects data and compares results. The experiments and study materials draw on examples from the breadth of science. S155 is an online module within which you will use a variety of communication methods, including scheduled online forums.
What you will study
This module is about the experimental method in science. You will learn about designing and planning experiments by working through the module text, which will be illustrated with case studies taken from the published work of professional scientists. By carrying out experiments yourself and discussing both the design and the results with other students in your group, you will learn practical skills in making measurements and observations accurately. You will also learn about the process of reaching conclusions that are supported by the experimental results.
Towards the end of the module you will get an opportunity to design and carry out an experiment with your group. This will help you to understand the role of hypotheses in experiments and that detailed planning is necessary for successful and safe experimentation. By working in groups you will appreciate the role of group work and discussion in science.
Entry
Scientific investigations complements the 60-credit key introductory OU level 1 module {Exploring science [S104]}, and is particularly suitable if you’re taking that module or have already taken it. (However, if you choose to study S155 alongside S104, you should be prepared to study for 26 hours a week for your first ten weeks of study.)
You should have basic mathematical skills (including drawing and interpreting graphs, and measurement and use of angles, using degrees). You should also have an understanding of basic scientific concepts. Both skill sets are covered in {Exploring science [S104]}. You can test your mathematical skills, or refresh them, using the Maths Skills ebook.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Qualifications
S155 is a compulsory module in our:
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#BSc (Honours) Health Sciences [B71]#
S155 is an optional module in our:
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it can help to weight your degree towards a BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this module can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
If you have a disability
Study material will be delivered online but will include printable versions of web pages for students to print off themselves should they wish. Students with hearing impairments may have difficulty participating in the audio conferences but should be able to participate fully in online forum discussions. Transcripts of audio-visual clips will be included in the study materials. Students with manual dexterity problems may need assistance to complete some experiments. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
As the module is web-based, you will need to make extensive use of a personal computer and the internet. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in operating a computer or with the types of material outlined above you are advised to contact us about support which can be given to meet your needs.
Study materials
What's included
All study materials and assessment material will be delivered online.
You will need
A webcam or digital camera is highly desirable to show images of experiments.
You will need a certain amount of space to perform some of the experiments, and for one of them you will need access to soil. You should be prepared to set aside several periods of up to half a day for completing some of the experiments. This module may not be suitable for you if you are unable to study regularly or will not have access to the internet throughout the 10-week module.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and experiments, and whom you can ask for academic advice and guidance. If you are new to The Open University, you will find that your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
All assessments must be submitted online.
Future availability
The details given here are for the module that starts in October 2014 when it will be available for the last time.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.