The Book Vipers discussion

I think there are a few of us studying with the Open University and possibly others studying at brick universities/colleges.

What are you studying?

Good idea for a thread, Jen:-)
I've started studying for my degree (with the OU) in Social Policy and Criminology in October, so it's all still quite new to me. Currently doing DD101 (Introducing the social sciences) and enjoying it so far!

What are you studying, Jen?

I started doing Modern Languages a couple of years ago with OU: French, Spanish and English (linguistics) but have just changed it recently to French combined with English Lit and Lang as I just don't like Spanish. I tried and am fairly good at it but could not imagine pursuing it to level 3. I think you have to like what you are studying for the most part!

I'm currently studying B291 Financial Accounting, if I pass will hopefully move on to B292 Management Accounting as the two together form a Professional Certificate in Accounting... but it's not going in at all!

Last year I did SK277 Human Biology and the year before I did DSE141 Discovering Psychology. They're all interesting.

After school I did one year full time and 9 years part time study. I have done one adult education course, in photography, but that is it.

For me, I'll be in high school next year, I studied English this year and in the beginning of this week completed L1a of Inter Change (if you know) and I intend to study Mathematics

Does any one know what happens with the OU if you withdraw/defer?

Ooo thanks for replying! Good to know, I'm going to see how I do on the first TMA and if I do terribly, I may withdraw until next October.

Jen, I taught with the OU for many years. Talk with your regional educational advisors ASAP. If you"re thinking you will study the same course, but next year, DON'T withdraw ask for a deferral, this way you shouldn't lose any money.

With a tutor hat on, and without knowing your course of study, or reasons for deferring, I wouldn't use TMA1 to make any judgements about the course. If your circumstances have changed and you're concerned about time and general capacity to commit that's different. If, though, you're having a crisis of confidence, hang on in there, talk to your tutor, go to tutorials (if you possibly can), and honestly, honestly, honestly, you'll be fine once you settle into the rhythm. GOOD LUCK, and if I can help don't hesitate to ask.

Aww thanks for replying Susan. I guess I'm not really taking it in and I'm worried that I've got a lot going on at the beginning of next year that for which the last thing I need is to be stressing about the course (which I'm doing for fun!)

I'm going to spend most of today writing my second essay. It's not due till the 25th, but I'd like to get it done early, I'm trying to be a week ahead of the study planner. I did really well on my first essay (much better than I ever thought I would!), but this one is more challenging, so I'm a bit nervous about it...

Good luck, Agata. What course are you doing?

My TMA is due 19th, feeling a bit better about the practical side but really not enjoying the theory side of accounting.

GO JEN!!

I think we sometimes expect to enjoy every aspect of studying for a degree, and it is an important element, of course. Sometimes, though, there are bits that don't really hit the spot, and that's when you just have to knuckle down and get on with it - and that sort of self-discipline is an important element of learning in itself. I loathed the research methods element of my first degree but had an excellent personal tutor who dragged me through it. I went on to do a PhD, where research is the most critical element of the degree, and became a research and policy advisor!

Ahh sent it in, didn't hit any of the word counts so don't expect too much but I think my practical side was okay!

Now can have a bit of time off to read before starting on next one!

I've just sent in my second TMA (a whole day before due date!). I'm not entirely satisfied with it, but I think it's passable...

How are you doing Agata?

I'm double majoring in psychology and sexuality studies, I'm a sophomore. I'm on summer break right now, finals went well. I hope everyone has a long tbr list to conquer this summer :P

I finished my studies a long while ago Kit. I did electronics and then mechanical engineering. My TBR list is always huge.

I finished a class on Science fiction and Fantasy literature and taking another class on World History since 1910 now, neither one for a certificate therefore free of charge with University of Virginia. My degree was completed many years ago on Electro Mechanical drafting, which had to do with Electronic and mechanical engineering also, I have not used for ten years, but often read on it, is still interesting.

Did you know the open university, in Britain, has lots of free courses? It's called future learn. Basic courses but interesting. Some made my brain ache and some I've found easy but interesting. Not sure if none UK peeps can join but can't see why not as its online.

Pat wrote: "Did you know the open university, in Britain, has lots of free courses? It's called future learn. Basic courses but interesting. Some made my brain ache and some I've found easy but interesting. No..."

They have one that just started on forensics. Which is great timing considering the BoM.

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/f...

Nice. Never knew about that Pat.

If you join the course at any point, before it has finished, you can download it for life. Do it at your own pace in your own time. They do repeat courses too if you missed them. Excellent one on mindfulness and peak performance ATM. Basic but good.

Do you get a proper qualification?

Nope. You can pay for a certificate if you complete it. I think it's a different way to to OU usual study way. Of course it's free.

Pat wrote: "Did you know the open university, in Britain, has lots of free courses? It's called future learn. Basic courses but interesting. Some made my brain ache and some I've found easy but interesting. No..."

I'd not heard of it till reading this - so thank you! Ive just registered for a course called The Mind is Flat (psychology). Wonderful to have free courses.
Ive also registered interest in a proposed course, with no start-date yet, which will discuss how fictional characters are created in ways which make us emotionally involved. It's called How to Read a Mind - wonder if anyone else on here might like to do it too.

Oo haven't seen that one. Am tempted

The futurelearn course How to Read a Mind, analysing how fictional characters are created, starts on Monday 3rd October if anyone else is interested. It's free & I think lasts 6 weeks.

I gave up halfway through the psychology course, The Mind is Flat, as found it boring and making unjustified assumptions. However I completed a science one, Black Holes, which was fascinating and which taught me such a lot.

The mindfulness one is really good.