Physics and maths degree advice

I'd like some advice as to whether I should bother with a physics degree from the open university (http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q77) the first 60 credits of foundation study completely put me off considering I am way beyond in terms of capability for the first year modules. Seems like a waste.

However I've considered going with a straight mathematics degree instead (http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q31), because my knowledge of mathematics isn't as strong or as broad of my knowledge in physics. But then would I be able to do a masters in physics after? Or would I have to do some course to bridge the gap? Or is it a waste of time?

Any advice?

Reply 1

IrisM65

Hi,

An OU degree definitely isn’t a waste of money! There is nothing to stop you from doing Level 2 courses if you honestly feel that you have skills that are taught at Level 1. All it will mean is that you will need to study different modules for the other 120 credits.

If you do a BSc Hons Combined Stem then you can substitute Level 1 courses which might be more appropriate. The complete list is here: http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/details/r28-stage-1-free-choice?orig=r28&setAcc=true

If your maths isn’t as strong, then you must take some modules to address that. Sometimes we assume glancing through a syllabus that we already know it, but doing the Tutor Marked Assignments really highlight the weaknesses😉

With this degree, provided you take the correct combination of physics and maths you will still be able to do a MSc in physics.

The best people to ask are the student advisors so I would suggest ringing them. It would help if you have a clear statement and evidence regarding your Level 1 skills.

(edited 4 years ago)

Open University

Milton Keynes

Reply 2

Pinkycherry

Original post by Iphicles

Hi,

I am currently on the physics and mathematics degree level 1.
The three modules you'd be studying are the questions in science and two mathematics modules( if you were to study full-time)
Having done A-levels in all three science subjects and comparing it to the questions in science module, the A-levels are more advanced in terms of difficulty but the OU science module is more broad and works on skills more than on deep and detailed science concepts.
For the two mathematics modules the MST124 (essential mathematics 1) I find to be close but a bit less advanced than mathematics A-level. MST125 (essential mathematics 2) is more advanced in general to mathematics A-levels.
I am comparing the modules to A-levels as these what I have knowledge and experience of.
According to what I have read about the courses of the OU in general, the first year is made as a stepping stone for everybody regardless of their educational backgrounds so it's meant to be the way it is. The course then intensifies in the two proceeding years for it to end up equal to a degree from a brick uni by the end of your course.
If OU is one of the few options ( as in my case) than you may have to 'endure' reading through some of the content you already know, although you'd will still find yourself spending time through the material because the Modules focus on skills such as mathematical language when writing your answers or how you present data in science context etc).
Hope this helps

(edited 4 years ago)