What you will study
Topic 1: Motion in space
First, you’ll explore the fundamental physics topic of force and motion, uncovering how objects move and interact. You’ll learn to model and predict motion, describe the effects of different forces, and understand mechanical processes from football kicks to planetary orbits.
Topic 2: Particle collisions
Equipped with an understanding of force and motion, you’ll next examine what happens when objects collide. Using conservation laws, you’ll describe complex mechanical processes and, with an introduction to relativity, understand how these interactions can change at incredibly high speeds, such as in particle accelerators.
Topic 3: Thermal and statistical mechanics
The third topic takes your understanding of the motion of single particles and interactions between a few particles and looks at the collective behaviour of many particles. Using a theoretical ‘ideal’ gas as a model, you’ll encounter the four laws of thermodynamics and understand their application in familiar devices, from engines to refrigerators and heat pumps.
Topic 4: Force fields
You’ll next investigate the mysterious concepts of forces and fields. Gravity, electricity and magnetism all act at a distance, moving objects without contact – learn how to visualise these unseen actors and understand how and why they work.
Topic 5: Waves and interference
Similar to fields, waves emanate out from their point of origin. You’ll learn about different wave types, how they interact, and how they can be harnessed and applied in the real world, from musical instruments to retinal scanners.
Topic 6: Quantum physics
The world around us is classical and certain, but it’s built of microscopic quantum building blocks that are fundamentally unpredictable. In this topic, you’ll explore this inherent quantum uncertainty and the blurring between particle and wave objects, particularly the photon, a particle of light, and investigate how this interacts with matter.
Vocational relevance
You’ll develop transferable skills and competencies in communication, digital literacy, numeracy and problem-solving, plus build personal attributes and behaviours, including initiative, resilience, self-confidence and self-management. Problem-solving abilities in physical sciences and mathematical and communication skills are advantageous in roles requiring a precise and quantitative approach.
Entry
We recommend you’ve passed Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) or be able to provide evidence you have the required mathematical skills.
You’ll also need appropriate knowledge of basic physical sciences obtained through:
- OU level 1 study
- equivalent work at another higher education institution.
Preparatory work
We recommend you first complete the following:
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
- marking your assignments and providing detailed feedback for you to improve
- guiding you to additional learning resources
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
For this module, we may use an assessment verification process to meet the requirements of relevant accrediting, professional, statutory or regulatory bodies. As part of this process, you may be asked to attend a short post-assessment video discussion, lasting around 15 minutes. During the discussion, you’ll need to show a photo ID and talk through your answers to a small number of questions with a tutor or a member of the module team. The discussion is not graded and is only used to confirm that you completed the assessment yourself.
We regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination method used for this module to an in-person exam or a remotely invigilated (proctored) exam. When we are making such a change, we will make it clear on this page. If we need to make a change after you have registered, we will notify you as soon as possible. If you have additional requirements, we will support you to complete your assessments.