7 What to do next?
Having now completed this Are You Ready for SM123? resource, you should now be in a position to judge how prepared you feel to start SM123.
Begin by reflecting on your answers to the Understanding Science and Maths Skills quizzes. Feedback was given as you went along. (You can go back and re-attempt these questions at any time.) There are no formal marks or a score system, however if you answered most of these questions correctly on the first go then you should be well prepared academically to start on SM123. The module will help you build on these skills as you progress towards science studies at higher levels.
Don’t forget to consider the important advice on online study (Section 3), writing skills (Section 4) and time management (Section 5) when assessing your preparedness.
In deciding what to do next, you may find it helpful to reflect on the following question and the advice that follows.
How ready do you feel to start SM123?
- Very ready – Great you have all the skills necessary to start this module, register now if you haven’t already!
- Reasonably ready – but want to know more before it starts.
If you would like to brush up on your science skills before you start SM123 then there are many modules on Open Learn you may want to have a look at. For example, the physics page on Open Learn Physics (www.open.edu/ openlearn/ science-maths-technology/ science/ physics-and-astronomy/ physics) has many activities and videos you might want to explore.
- Not sure – think about which of the five areas on this ‘Are you ready for…’ that you are unsure about.
Are you unsure about the science you already know or your maths skills?
There are many modules on Open Learn you can have a look at if you are uncertain. For example,
Basic science: understanding numbers (http://www.open.edu/ openlearn/ science-maths-technology/ basic-science-understanding-numbers/ content-section-overview) may be useful if it has been a little while since you studied any maths, to brush up on the basic maths skills needed for SM123.
Another useful resource is the Maths skills study booklet (https://www.open.edu/ openlearn/ science-maths-technology/ mathematics-statistics/ maths-skills-science). You might want to focus on Chapter 5; Units of measurement, Chapter 7; Scientific notation or Chapter 9; Significant figures, if you found these areas more difficult in the Maths quiz.
If you are you unsure because the module is completely online and/or it has been a while since you did any writing
There are many resources you can access that can help you with online study skills and writing skills before you start SM123.
The OU’s study skills website contains useful tips for studying online such as Study tips for online modules (https://help.open.ac.uk/ study-tips-for-online-modules). There are also specific tips on Making notes online (https://help.open.ac.uk/ making-notes-online) and Active reading (https://help.open.ac.uk/ active-reading). Learn Higher also offer a free-to-download mind map of Top ten note-making tips (http://www.learnhigher.ac.uk/ research-skills/ note-making/ notemaking-ten-top-tips/).
If you want to improve your writing skills, then you could follow the Developing Academic English Guide (https://help.open.ac.uk/ developing-academic-english) (it will take about 5 hours to complete).
You don’t think you have the time to study this module
If you don’t think you have the time to study, start by reviewing your responses to the ‘Managing your study time’ activity in Part 5. Although 10 hours per week can seem like a lot of time to find to study, it is surprising how quickly small chunks of time add up. With SM123 being an online only module you will have easy access to your study materials wherever you have an internet connection. So you may find that you can fit in some study on the go, such as during lunch breaks or whilst commuting. Most of your available time for study though is likely to come in blocks such as evenings or weekends. This is particularly important for larger activities in SM123 such as practical work. Be honest with yourself about how much time you can devote to studying. You may find that it helps to talk through your study intentions and time available with one of our advisers. Details of how to contact an adviser are given below.
If you really don’t think you have the time to study now, and decide not to register for SM123, bear in mind that the time you have available for study may change in the future. So you may like to run through this ‘Are you ready for SM123?’ guidance again and/or speak with one of our friendly advisers about returning to formal study. In the meantime, we offer a range of informal study options that require less time commitment, such as free modules on OpenLearn (http://www.open.edu/ openlearn/).
If you’re not sure SM123 is the right module for you
Whatever the reason, if you really are unsure about studying SM123 you may find that it helps to speak with one of our friendly advisers. They’re there to help and can talk through any concerns or questions you may have. After doing so, if you are still unsure, then SM123 is probably not for you at this time.
Call us
Don’t forget that you can speak to one of our friendly advisers on 0300 303 5303 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm UK Time Excluding Bank Holidays) if you have any questions about the module or your preparedness.
If you are an existing Open University student you can contact an adviser at your Student Support Team using the contact details that you will find on StudentHome.