Find out more about The Open University's Natural Sciences courses
I’m the Curriculum Manager for YXM130 and my favourite characteristic about the module is that it provides you with the option to study what interests you.
If I was to study this module, I would be interested in studying courses that would help to expand my knowledge of the solar system and the night sky. I am fascinated by the planets, stars, and moons we have in our solar system and how they all differ. For example, planets can have different atmospheres and are made up of different materials and gases, some stars shine brighter than others and many moons can orbit one planet.
I would consider studying the OpenLearn courses below to help me discover and understand more about the following:
- The size of the solar system and how it works.
- Which planets have moons and what the differences between them are.
- How the universe was formed and whether there could be planets beyond our solar system. Are there other lifeforms out there?!
- What can I see when I look into the sky at night?
- What energy we might be able to harness from the solar system on Earth and why this is important for the future of our planet. Could this help reduce climate change?
Free courses in The solar system and the night sky...
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Galaxies, stars and planets
Learn more to access more details of Galaxies, stars and planetsThis free course, Galaxies, stars and planets, is a general introduction, including scale of the universe from the very large to the very small; orbits and gravity; the Solar System; the Sun and other stars; galaxies and the composition of astronomical objects.
Level: 1 Introductory
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The Moon
Learn more to access more details of The MoonAs the only planetary body everyone is familiar with seeing in the sky, the Moon has long been an object of fascination and speculation. This free course will teach you about the nearest planetary body to Earth: the missions to the Moon, the basic facts of its composition, the cratering on its surface, and the ancient eruptions that flooded many...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Moons of our Solar System
Learn more to access more details of Moons of our Solar SystemIn this free course, Moons of our Solar System, explore the many moons of our Solar System. Find out what makes them special. Should we send humans to our Moon again?
Level: 1 Introductory
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An introduction to exoplanets
Learn more to access more details of An introduction to exoplanetsThis free course, An introduction to exoplanets, introduces our galaxy's population of planets, and some of their many surprises. It explains the methods used by astronomers to study exoplanets, and provides a general introduction to the methods of scientific inquiry. The course culminates in discussion of life elsewhere in our Galaxy.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Astronomy with an online telescope
Learn more to access more details of Astronomy with an online telescopeThis free course shows you how to navigate the night sky, and introduces the wide variety of objects it contains. You will develop a hands-on understanding of telescopic observations using the Open University’s own robotic telescope facility COAST sited on the island of Tenerife. Supported by your own measurements we illustrate how stars...
Level: 1 Introductory
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In the night sky: Orion
Learn more to access more details of In the night sky: OrionIn this free course, In the night sky: Orion, you will explore the night sky, discover how stars formed and find out about exoplanets, all through the constellation of Orion.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Energy resources: solar energy
Learn more to access more details of Energy resources: solar energyEnergy from sources other than fossil and nuclear fuels is to a large extent free of the concerns about environmental effects and renewability that characterize those two sources. Each alternative source supplies energy continually, whether or not we use it, and most have their origins in energy generated outside the Earth, yet the potential of ...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Introduction to active galaxies
Learn more to access more details of Introduction to active galaxiesThe field of active galaxies is recognised as one of increasing importance. But how do we know there are different kinds of galaxy? What are active galaxies? How are they powered? This free course, Introduction to active galaxies, examines the different types of active galaxies and looks at the crucial role of the active galactic nucleus and the...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Multidisciplinary study: the value and benefits
Learn more to access more details of Multidisciplinary study: the value and benefitsThis free course, Multidisciplinary study: the values and benefits, explores the advantages of studying more than one subject and will help you to decide if multidisciplinary study is for you. Featuring videos with students on the Open University’s ‘Open’ qualifications, you will learn about the unique skills you can gain from studying a ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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The search for water on Mars
Learn more to access more details of The search for water on MarsThe possibility of water on Mars has captured human imagination for over a century. In this free course, The Search for Water on Mars, find out more about how scientists have found evidence for water in the red planet’s past and present, and what this might mean for the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Unsolved problems in cosmology
Learn more to access more details of Unsolved problems in cosmologyThe science of cosmology has been very successful in explaining a wide range of observational evidence about the Universe, from the detailed properties of the cosmic microwave background radiation to the distributions of galaxies, and the elemental abundances in astrophysical environments. However, there are several major unknowns in ...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Astronomy: images of the Universe
Learn more to access more details of Astronomy: images of the UniverseModern astronomy utilises a range of techniques across the electromagnetic spectrum that allow astronomers to measure the brightness, size and shape of astronomical objects, as well as their structure in many cases. This free course enables you to explore multiwavelength images of the Universe and make your own measurements of stars, nebulae and...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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