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The OU is Europe’s largest provider of university-level online STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) programmes. The eSTEeM unit (www.open.ac.uk/esteem) works across University boundaries to bring together STEM academics to innovate, evaluate and research in STEM teaching and learning.

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Research in physics contributes to the University’s interdisciplinary centre for research in physical and environmental sciences, CEPSAR, the Biomedical Research Network and the science and engineering scholarship centre, eSTEeM. There are four research themes: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Computational and Theoretical Physics Physics Education Plasma Science and Engineering.

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This observationally-focussed topic examines the formation of massive stars in our galaxy. The formation of massive young stars is often triggered by ionised gas regions that expand into their surrounding gas and molecular clouds, 'triggering' a next generation of stars.

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The Physics Education Research Group brings together physicists with an interest in how students learn and a passion for improving their teaching. At the OU this research theme is inevitably concerned with the full range of educational technologies, pedagogical methodologies and evaluative techniques that are required to support, sustain and improve the evidence-based teaching of physics in a large and diverse organisation.

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The study of extrasolar planets is a rapidly moving field at the forefront of astrophysics. The Astronomy Discipline is involved in the search for new exoplanets, in multiwavelength follow-up studies of established planets, consideration of habitability in novel contexts, and in the modelling of exoplanetary atmospheres and interiors.

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Cosmology and extragalactic astronomy at the OU focuses on the star-forming galaxies, active galaxies and strong gravitational lensing, addressing fundamental questions about the evolution of galaxies and their dark matter haloes. We have a strong record of promoting the visibility of graduate students in major international consortia.

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Astrochemistry is the study of molecules in space, how they form, where they form, and what role they play in shaping the formation and evolution of astrophysical systems, particularly in star and planet formation. The chemical interactions between atoms, ions, and molecules in both the gas and solid phase span from the coldest, darkest regions of space, known as the interstellar medium, right to the surface of planets, where such processes may be key in astrobiology - the study of the emergence of life.

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We have a wide range of research in theoretical and computational physics, including condensed matter theory, modelling of electron scattering from molecules and molecular clusters, theory of cold atom quantum simulators and finally biophysics. Our team of PhD students is carrying out research at the forefront of these fields.

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The majority of stars reside in binaries or higher multiples, and the most exotic and the most energetic phenomena in the Universe often have a binary origin. Binary stars are the keystones of stellar astrophysics, offering the chance to directly measure physical parameters of stars and so understand the evolution of the contents of the Universe.

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The Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute (PSSRI) is one of the UK's leading centres of excellence for planetary and space science research, with a multidisciplinary approach to a broad range of activities with the unifying themes of the formation and evolution of the solar system, planetary exploration and the study of life in extreme environments.Geologists, astronomers, chemists, physicists and microbiologists work together on space flight instrumentation, extra-terrestrial sample analysis, ground and space-based observations, theoretical modelling and experimental simulations of extraterrestrial processes. PSSRI is a core member of CEPSAR, the University's interdisciplinary Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research.PhD projects are offered in all of these areas as well as for industrial collaborations on detector technology, medical, environmental and security spin-offs.Key facts- Interdisciplinary environment with ~75 staff including 20 postgraduate students.- Internationally renowned researchers in a range of disciplines with CEPSAR research being ranked in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, with 70 per cent of its research ranked as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' and 95 per cent being at least 'recognised internationally' in terms of originality, significance and rigour.- Leading roles in international space missions, with student involvement at all phases (instrument development, flight operations and data analysis).- Student access to unparalleled laboratory facilities for analysis of extraterrestrial samples.- Many large grants from research councils, industry and charities.- Studentships funded by STFC and industry available each year.

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