If Coast has set you keen to investigate not just the coastline of our nation, but also the possibility of a degree with the Open University, why not explore the range of related courses on offer from the OU?

Beginning to study
If you have no experience of higher education deciding to become an undergraduate student can be a big step. Our Openings programme of short introductory courses has been specially designed to give you the chance to test the water before committing yourself.

Introducing Environment (Y161). Environmental concerns often appear in the news, and it can be difficult to tell what matters, or what choice we have. Focusing upon scientific and technological aspects of the environment, you will consider the effects of human activities, such as farming.

Short Courses are for people with study experience but don’t want to commit to a full undergraduate course straightaway:
Life in the Oceans: Exploring Our Blue Planet (S180) covers the challenges faced by living organisms of living in the oceanic environment, how marine ecosystems differ from terrestrial ones, why some parts of the ocean teem with life and others have seasonal bursts of activity.

Studying Mammals (S182) covers mammals from cats, dogs and foxes to tigers, whales and polar bears; how they differ from other animals, their social habits, how they evolved and to what extent their survival is threatened by human interference and exploitation.

Fossils and the History of Life (S193) covers how organisms become fossilized, it will help you to identify common fossils and show you where they fit into the story of evolution.

If you have an interest in science, the environment or energy other Open University courses on offer include:

Discovering Science (S103) Important concepts, and scientific, mathematical and communication skills are developed using a range of topics from global warming to the origin of life, ecology to earthquakes, chemical reaction and atomic structure, to the origin of our universe.

Working with our Environment: Technology for a Sustainable Future (T172) covers the technical, human and social aspects of environment issues, from local air pollution to global climate change; considers the role of technology in both contributing to and tackling environmental problems.

Environment (U216) informs your approach to environmental concerns such a global climate change, anxieties about food, polluted air, management of waste, squandering natural resources, disappearance of species and habitats, concerns over the consequence of our actions for future generation, disquiet over the genetic modification of living organisms.

Environmental Science (S216) interactive, multimedia ‘field trips’ enable you to explore a virtual environment. By the end of the course you will be able to analyse landforms, soils and water flows, identify habitats of flora and fauna, and comment on human influences and their likely consequences.

Environmental Science in the Field (SXR216) you will visit a variety of sites where you apply your knowledge of biology, chemistry, earth science and physics to study interactions and feedback in the environment, including landforms, soils, water and vegetation.

Geology (S260) a practical introduction to geology, that introduces you to interpretation of geological maps; identification and description of minerals and rocks; the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their associated structures; and to sedimentary processes, fossils and environment. Includes a returnable home kit comprising minerals, rocks, fossils, a polarizing microscope and geological maps.

The Geological History of the British Isles (SXR260) Intended primarily for current or previous students of S260, this course is based around a week-long residential school that provides field trips to a variety of sites of geological interest in the north of England, supported by laboratory sessions and tutorials.

Energy for a Sustainable Future (T206) covers the sustainability problems of our conventional fossil and nuclear fuel use, and how they might be ameliorated; explores the technological and social possibilities for using energy much more efficiently; and investigates various renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and biofuels that significantly reduce effects on the environment.

The courses you study with the Open University can count towards an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Qualification such as BSc Hons Environmental Studies, BSc Hons Natural Sciences, BSc Hons Geosciences, MSc Environmental Decision making, MA in Environment Policy and Society.

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