Science and Nature on OpenLearn - free learning resources from the Open University: explore gravity, earthquakes, evolution and more.

The Essex Wildlife Trust is a charity that exists to secure a better future for the wildlife and people of Essex, and has been closely involved with the Abbotts Hall Farm coastal realignment project.

The Environment Agency is the leading public body responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.

The Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has reponsibility for flooding and coastal erosion risk in England.

The National Flood Forum is a non-profit making organisation dedicated to reducing the impact of flooding on people throughout the UK.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has a website that offers live flood information from Floodline.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) works to ensure the preservation of birds and their environment.

The WWF aims to stop environmental degradation, conserve biodiversity, establish sustainable natural resources, and reduce pollution. WWF-UK also co-sponsored the Abbotts Hall Farm project.

Climate Time Machine - NASA interactive showing the spread of CO₂, the effects of rising tide and more.

The BBC and the Open University are not responsible for the content of external websites

Teach Yourself Geology
Dave Rothery
A solid introduction to the subject, recommended as a starting point for students but also providing a background for everyone.
Published by Hodder Arnold

Teach Yourself The Geological History of the British Isles
Arlëne Hunter and Glynda Easterbrook
This book gives a remarkable insight into the geological evolution of the Earth. Suitable for first- and second-year Geology undergraduates, A-level Geology teachers and students, as well as enthusiastic amateur Geologists.
Published by the Open University

If you would like to follow up your interest by taking a course, the OU offers a range of courses and qualifications designed to fit you.

Which type of course is best for you?

• New to undergraduate study?
• Not sure you want to commit to a long course?
• Have study experience and looking for more?

Openings

If you haven’t experienced higher education before, deciding to become an undergraduate student can be a big step. But don’t worry, the OU’s designed a programme that allows you to dip your toe in the water before committing yourself!

Starting with maths (Y162)
Mathematics, as well as being a fascinating subject in its own right, also underpins practically every aspect of modern life. Whether you are keeping tabs on a budget, tackling a DIY project, devising a formula for a spreadsheet or deciding how to present some information graphically, you’ll need to understand maths. You’ll be introduced to a range of key ideas (including using a scientific calculator effectively), which will help you to tackle everyday mathematical problems at home, work, or in your further studies. Case studies, activities, puzzles, historical snapshots and more recent mathematical discoveries are included, as well as advice on studying generally.

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. Topics include the biology of ecosystems and food chains, biodiversity, ecological sustainability and fossil fuels. This provides a brief survey of a very complicated subject, equipping you with some important concepts.

Details of all the OU's Openings courses can be found on their Openings courses page.

Short Courses

If you want to study science but don’t want to commit to a full undergraduate course the OU’s science short courses could be perfect for you.

Science Starts Here (S154)
Science starts here is specifically for those students who have done little or no science in the past and whose maths is rusty (or non-existent!). Through exploring the role that water plays in sustaining life – from the journey of a glass of water in the body to the effects of pollution, the course provides a gentle introduction to basic maths and scientific vocabulary.

Exploring Science (S104)
This course explores a range of topics including the origin of life, genetics, evolution and biodiversity; sources of energy and global warming; earthquakes and volcanoes; food and drugs; the structure of the atom and the quantum world; and the Solar System and the origin of the Universe.

Life in the Oceans: Exploring Our Blue Planet (S180)
This course covers the challenges faced by living organisms of living in the ocean environment, how marine ecosystems differ from terrestrial ones, why some parts of the oceans teem with life and others have seasonal bursts of activity.

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

Modelling the climate (S199)

You'll study the science underpinning the modelling of the Earth's climate at the same time as you run a unique version of this model on your own personal computer. You'll interact with the model using software that will enable you to interpret some of the data your model produces.

Studying Mammals (S182)
Learn about how mammals differ biologically from other animals, about the social habits of different mammals and to what extent their survival is threatened by human interference and exploitation.

Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis (S186)
If you’ve ever been intrigued or affected by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes or tsunamis and want to find out more about why they happen and what they do, then this is the course for you.

Archaeology: the science of investigation ()
In this course, you’ll develop an appreciation of the processes involved in the discovery, investigation and interpretation of archaeological artefacts and sites. You’ll learn about field and laboratory techniques and how these provide archaeologists with new insights into how societies and cultures may have evolved.

Details of all the OU's short science courses can be found on their short science courses page

Longer Courses and Qualifications

Open University courses are the main 'building blocks' of our qualifications. You can take a single course or take several to build towards an Open University diploma or degree.

Which level of study is most suitable for you?

• Are Science or Technology new or unfamiliar subjects for you?
• Already have work or study experience in Science or Technology?

Where to Start

Discovering Science (S103)
If you are totally new to the subject area, or would like a refresher, this might be a good starting point. Important concepts, and scientific, mathematical and communication skills are developed using a range of topics from global warming to the origin of life.

Get a taste of S103

Working with our environment: Technology for a Sustainable Future (T172)

This course covers the technical, human and social aspects of lifestyle, design and environmental issues, from your energy use in the home to your use of transport, local air pollution to global climate change; considers the role of technology in both contributing to and tackling environmental problems.

Get a taste of T172

Engineering the Future (T173)

From design concepts to the manufacture of products, this course examines the range of human activity that is 'engineering'. It offers a general introduction both for those who simply have an interest in what engineering is and how it is practised in modern society, and for those who are considering studying engineering at higher levels.

Get a taste of T173

Higher level study

MSc Science (F12)
This qualification is for those who want to explore broad scientific topics at postgraduate level. It offers an opportunity to pursue some of contemporary science's most pressing issues, using the innovative teaching methods pioneered by The Open University and developing a wide range of skills associated with masters-level study.

MSc Environmental Decision Making (F13)
The Environmental Decision Making programme has been established to meet the challenges of environmental decision making in the context of sustainable development. It is designed to meet the needs of specialists, managers and the public for postgraduate-level environmental education that can encompass the complexities of these challenges.

Master of Engineering (M03)
This engineering degree builds on recent and previous study and offers you an opportunity to fulfil the educational requirements for chartered status. The MEng programme aims to meet professional development needs as specified by the Engineering Council UK (EC UK) and relevant engineering institutions in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

For further information about all the Higher Degrees offered at the Open University take a look at their 'Step Higher' page.