S248 is a level 2 Chemistry module. Sustainability is embedded within the module's learning outcomes. Relevant UN sustainable Development goals are discussed and signposted to within module content. Students are supported to consider sustainability from a practical perspective through home experiments. 

One experiment is linked to producing more sustainable polymers (plastics) from renewable sources (UNSDG 12 Responsible consumption & production) and a second explores using adsorbents to remove pollutants from water (SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation). Students compare their results with their peers using an online forum and discuss the relevancy of criteria for chemists developing new materials. 

Author: The Open University's Responsible Futures Audit 2024