Open university

[smulx]

SXP390 finishes in 2015 I think, I did make reference to it though : see below

I'm not sure about the maths side of things for you. I did two mathematics A-Levels (out of 4 in total,) so for me MST121 is a refresher course. There's a bit of info here that might help you decide. The description though says good pass at GCSE should suffice?

Oh sorry, I misread that. I read it as SXP288 was the replacement for SXP390 and confused myself with them being at different levels. Whoops. Thanks for the link too. I've only done the science tests so far so really should have assessed my maths by now too.

Is there a reason you chose MST209 instead of MS221? From what I'm reading, they're both suggested in preparation for level 3 so I'm completely lost.

They certainly don't make it easy to plan. The entry for Astrophysics says - "The course is designed to follow Astronomy (S282), Planetary science and the search for life (S283), The physical world (S207) and Exploring mathematics (MS221)."

But the entry for The relativistic Universe says - "The course is designed to follow Astronomy (S282), The physical world (S207) and Mathematical methods and models (MST209)."

Their suggested Astronomy route doesn't include The physical world (S207) though. Plus, it isn't really possible to fit MS221 AND MST209 in without starting to turn it in to a maths degree.

[smulx]

If i remember correctly Somewhere on the OU site is an 'are you ready for s104' questionnaire which tests your maths etc and let's you know if it's recommended for your level or not. Unfortunately I wasn't ready so I am doing 'science starts here' which gets you up to scratch to the required level.

Richard

When do you start? I did quite well on the Science tests but still decided to begin with Science Starts Here to ease myself in to it and get used to planning my time properly.

[Stephen]

Is there a reason you chose MST209 instead of MS221? From what I'm reading, they're both suggested in preparation for level 3 so I'm completely lost.

Yes. 209 is suggested for both Relativistic Universe and (as it stands) Electromagnatism or Quantum World. One of those (well their replacements) will be my other lvl3 module.

Only Astrophysics asks for 221, and there is a bridging document to go from 121 to 221 without doing the course - so I don't actually need the whole course, just the bit in the bridging document.

They certainly don't make it easy to plan. The entry for Astrophysics says - "The course is designed to follow Astronomy (S282), Planetary science and the search for life (S283), The physical world (S207) and Exploring mathematics (MS221)."

But the entry for The relativistic Universe says - "The course is designed to follow Astronomy (S282), The physical world (S207) and Mathematical methods and models (MST209)."

No it's certainly taken me a few weeks to work it all out!

Their suggested Astronomy route doesn't include The physical world (S207) though. Plus, it isn't really possible to fit MS221 AND MST209 in without starting to turn it in to a maths degree.

Absolutely! I tried to talk this out with the advisors, but they could only tell me to do more courses. The way my plan works out, is I will do one 30 pointer that isn't included in the degree, and 60 points (as opposed to 50) for the "optional" modules.

This is the secondary reason I removed 283 (Planetary Science) as it was just too much - and as stated before, I'm not interested in vulcanism

[Stephen]

Master plan

Then the missing modules discussed previously. I'm aiming for the Natural Sciences degree, but you could work this quite a different way with an Open degree.

[meteoriot]

When do you start? I did quite well on the Science tests but still decided to begin with Science Starts Here to ease myself in to it and get used to planning my time properly.

I managed to get most of the maths and English but my science wasn't upto scratch and I feel I would also like to ease myself into studying again as it's been over 10 years. I start science starts here this Oct and will hopefully be doing s104 straight after. I'm hoping to follow the 'Natural Sciences' degree path rather than an open degree. It offers some astronomy, physics, magnetism and cosmology courses but I'll probably do some extra astronomy ones too in-between depending how it plans out for me. What about you?

Richard

[palebluedot]

Are many of you studying towards a degree or just doing random astro courses?

I'm due to begin a degree with 'science starts here' this year. I had my heart set on the astronomy and planetary science route but the physics route with the 'quantum world' unit is looking more and more tempting.

I sent them an email with a concern that I had. A lot of the suggested units on the Astronomy route are due to finish soon. I asked how I was supposed to follow their suggested route if the courses aren't going to exist by the time I'm ready to do them, but their reply just avoided my question.

The residential in Mallo4rca sounds really good. I'd love to do that but I'm worried that if I start doing the astro courses I'll have to take on too much work to get them finished before they stop being available. Has anyone else had trouble with anything like this?

B64 Natural Sciences for me specialising in astronomy and planetary science. I wanted to do the quantum world but meant taking the 60 point MST209. A whole year of mathematical modelling put me off, so i decided to take Electromagnetism (SMT359) at level 3 and get away with Uusing Mathematics (MST221) at level 2.

The option for a residential in Majorca has been replaced by Practical Science (SXP288) a 30 pointer with a 2 or 3 day option to study in Majorca.

[palebluedot]

Master plan

I thought I'd add mine for comparison.

Note it's a bit easier on the maths.

Edit: Hoping to have it done in time before the fees transition!

[palebluedot]

But the entry for The relativistic Universe says - "The course is designed to follow Astronomy (S282), The physical world (S207) and Mathematical methods and models (MST209)."

There are conflicting pathways on the OU site, I am following this one:

Astronomy and planetary science Qualification Route - B64 BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences - Open University

With one slight tweak. Inside nuclear energy instead of the 10 point introductory astronomy course.

[smulx]

Thanks for posting the plans guys. They should help a lot with trying to decide what I'm going to do.

Only Astrophysics asks for 221, and there is a bridging document to go from 121 to 221 without doing the course - so I don't actually need the whole course, just the bit in the bridging document.

Last questions, I promise... Where can I find info on the bridging document? Is it something that the OU actually provide so people don't need to complete both maths modules?

[smulx]

B64 Natural Sciences for me specialising in astronomy and planetary science. I wanted to do the quantum world but meant taking the 60 point MST209. A whole year of mathematical modelling put me off, so i decided to take Electromagnetism (SMT359) at level 3 and get away with Uusing Mathematics (MST221) at level 2.

Exactly how I feel. I really don't want to do a year of mathematical modelling so can't decide if I should try and choose a route that doesn't include this, even though I really want to do The Quantum World. Even on the Astro route though, MST209 is recommended if taking The Relativistic Universe. Their suggested routes are no help at all.

[Stephen]

Exactly how I feel. I really don't want to do a year of mathematical modelling so can't decide if I should try and choose a route that doesn't include this, even though I really want to do The Quantum World. Even on the Astro route though, MST209 is recommended if taking The Relativistic Universe. Their suggested routes are no help at all.

I'd be very very worried about not doing 209, just my opinion though

Thanks for posting the plans guys. They should help a lot with trying to decide what I'm going to do.

Last questions, I promise... Where can I find info on the bridging document? Is it something that the OU actually provide so people don't need to complete both maths modules?

http://mcs.open.ac.uk/mst209/BM.pdf

[Stephen]

I thought I'd add mine for comparison.

Note it's a bit easier on the maths.

[ATTACH]65823[/ATTACH]

Edit: Hoping to have it done in time before the fees transition!

You have a problem there with S383

The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2012. In 2013 we expect it to be available twice, in February and October. We then expect it to be available once a year, in October.

Also : you really sure about not doing 209? I thought it was a pre req for Electromagnetism, Quantum World and Astro Physics?

[palebluedot]

You have a problem there with S383

Thanks for pointing that out.

Also : you really sure about not doing 209? I thought it was a pre req for Electromagnetism, Quantum World and Astro Physics?

I started out with the intention of doing 209. Then saw this pathway...

Astronomy and planetary science Qualification Route - B64 BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences - Open University

Apparently a grade 1 or 2 pass in 221 will suffice. Maybe I'll have a chat with a study adviser and see if they can shed any more light.

[smulx]

http://mcs.open.ac.uk/mst209/BM.pdf

Thanks for that

[Stephen]

Thanks for pointing that out.

I started out with the intention of doing 209. Then saw this pathway...

Astronomy and planetary science Qualification Route - B64 BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences - Open University

Apparently a grade 1 or 2 pass in 221 will suffice. Maybe I'll have a chat with a study adviser and see if they can shed any more light.

Hmm, hadn't read that bit - was working from the individual course descriptions.

[smulx]

One of the problems I'm having with deciding whether or not to do 209 is ending up with too many points. If I do The physical world (S207) and Mathematical methods and models (MST209) this is all the points I need for level 2. But then there's a compulsary 30 point module and I wanted to do Astronomy (S382) so I'd end up spending a lot more time and money than what I need to. I've already used up my free points with level 1 stuff.

Plus, in the entry requirements for 209 it says you should have completed 221 beforehand, which there's no way I'm doing. I'd end up with 100 useless points at level 2.

[Datapoint2]

Hi guys another OU student here. I was wondering if anybody here has done S194, S197 and S104? I ask because i was thinking of doing S194 and S197 but after reading the content of S104 am thinking it may cover alot of the ground in those shorter courses. I will definitely study S104 in January regardless so if anybody has done all three would love to hear your opinion on whether S194 and S197 are sufficiently different to study before S104?

[IvanT]

I took S104 this year, it's a lot more work than I was expecting from a lvl 1 module. More assignment work than some of the lvl 3 units I've done. Covers a lot of ground and have throughly enjoyed it. Consists of 8 books, 7 TMAs, 8 ICMAs, no exam but an ECA that draws on all 8 books. Lots of online collaborative work too with your tutor group.

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[Datapoint2]

S104 looks great,i've yet to see anybody have a negative comment about the course, i have taken a few 10 point courses and have satisfied myself that im ready for the commitment that a longer course will take. Was initially going to study S197 and S194 before S104 but went for other options thinking S104 may include alot of the same material.

[IvanT]

I had to skim a lot more than I liked just to keep up with the pace. There are a couple of books I'll be revisiting after I complete the ECA, especially "From Quarks to Quasars" book 7. If you can devote the time I'd recommend it. Due to work commitments I tended to devote all wknd to it. Glad it'll be done and dusted before those long winter nights kick in :-)

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[smulx]

Here's a plan I've put together. I'm not happy with it, but it's the only choice I have as far as I can see.

People that are familiar with how it all works - Does this look okay?

Things I know that are wrong with it are...

They recommend you do S151 after S104, but I'm having to do it during.

They recommend MST121 before S282 but I'm having to do them alongside each other.

They recommend S207 and MST209 in the entry requirements of the level 3 modules, but for some reason still suggest a route that doesn't include them. This is the thing that's worrying me the most. To do these modules I'd have to scrap S282 and S283 and add 1-2 years to my total study time.

Any input on any of this would be greatly appreciated.

[Stephen]

According to the OU site:

151 alongside 104 is fine

282 needs 121 OR 104 IIRC?

I still feel 221 is a waste when you can read the bridging material from 121

I would put as a minimum 209 in there, but that's me

I'm not convinced you can set out on an OU qualification and try to force it into your own timeframes. If it takes 1-2 years more to do it properly, then I feel that's what it needs.

Not doing 207 and/or 209 is going to leave you fundamentally lacking at lvl3 - then it's a lot of effort to waste isn't it?

[smulx]

Yeah I agree. I think I've just been kidding myself in to believing that their suggested route could work just because it follows the things I want to do, but I know that realistically it will just leave my unprepared. I think I'll try to create a new plan without MS221. If I'm doing MST209 (plus bridging material) and S207 at level 2, do you think I could get away with skipping S282?

With the changes I'm going to make, I'll pretty much be following their Physics route which doesn't include S282 because S283 isn't included at level 3.

I considered following the Physics route originally just so I could do The Quantum World, but this will be finished before I reach it which is quite annoying.

[Stephen]

Yeah I agree. I think I've just been kidding myself in to believing that their suggested route could work just because it follows the things I want to do, but I know that realistically it will just leave my unprepared. I think I'll try to create a new plan without MS221. If I'm doing MST209 (plus bridging material) and S207 at level 2, do you think I could get away with skipping S282?

With the changes I'm going to make, I'll pretty much be following their Physics route which doesn't include S282 because S283 isn't included at level 3.

I considered following the Physics route originally just so I could do The Quantum World, but this will be finished before I reach it which is quite annoying.

That might be a question best addressed by the advisors. To make things work and keep 282, I dropped 283

[IvanT]

My advice would be to go to your local OU region and chat it through with the staff there, they are very helpful.

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