Are you ready for S111?

Study planner

Image copyright
  • Introduction

    • This is a diagnostic toolkit of quizzes to help you determine whether you're ready to start S111 Questions in Science.

      You can complete the quizzes in any order; and if you prefer a printable version of them, you can find one at the bottom of this webpage. This assessment should take you about an hour in total.

      Please make sure that you complete all the tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. After completing each quiz, you will receive some feedback to help you make up your mind if you are ready.

      If you are signed in, and already enrolled on S111, we can track your progress, and your tutor or the Student Support Team may ask you if they can use the information to help you prepare for and study S111 successfully.

  • Topic 1

    Part 1: Do I have enough time to study S111?

    • Studying S111 is expected to take between 16 and 18 hours a week, running over the course of a 30 week period, either from October to June, or from February to September.

  • Topic 2

    Part 2: Do I have enough computing experience to study S111

    • This section of the quiz looks at the computing skills required for studying S111.

      You will need access to a computer and to the internet for regular periods of study. This module is delivered entirely online. There are no books. You will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection, and you must be prepared to read, watch and engage with the study materials online. The module will have many live web-links, and you will need to use the internet to access web-based sources of information (such as the Open University Library), to attend online tutorials, and to communicate with your tutor and fellow students.

      In addition you will have to work online to complete interactive computer marked assignments (iCMAs) and to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) electronically. Some activities or assignment questions may require you to upload scanned images or photographs.

      Use the drop-down boxes to select your answers to the following questions. You will be given a score for this quiz that simply reflects the number of times you answer "yes".

      If you answer yes to all of the answers, you are suitably prepared for the computing aspects of S111.

      If you answer no to any of these, you should find out how to do these things before you start the module. Guidance will not be provided on these computing skills as part of the module, although more general advice is provided by The Open University.

  • Topic 3

    Part 3: Are my maths skills good enough?

    • This section has questions on simple arithmetic, on the use of fractions, decimal numbers, ratios and percentages, and on reading a simple chart. You should have these basic numeracy skills before you start.

      You may want to use a calculator. 

  • Topic 4

    Part 3: Is my English good enough?

    • This English section asks you to demonstrate that you are able to understand and use written English of the standard of broadsheet newspapers, for example The Telegraph or The Guardian.

  • Topic 5

    Part 4: Can I think scientifically?

    • This section asks you to demonstrate that you have some general science skills – the ability to think critically and logically, and to ask the kind of questions that scientists ask themselves. These skills will be taught and developed during your study of S111, but prior knowledge and experience of using these skills will save you time, allowing you to complete the first two topics comfortably within your target of 16 to 18 hours of study per week. If you do not have these skills, you will need to spend a little more time than this.

  • Summary

    Thank you for taking the time to complete these quizzes — hopefully you've learned a bit about whether S111 is right for you, and what preparations you may need to make before starting your study.

    If your quiz results show you are prepared for study, you can find out about registration for S111 Questions in Science on the OU Courses and Qualifications website.