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The magazine for supporters and friends of The Open University Issue No. 13 Our on-going mission Transforming lives and unlocking potential Blue Planet II Exploring the amazing worlds in our oceans A turning point for breast cancer surgery? A new study could provide a huge breakthrough
Welcome
Inside this
Open Door
3Continuing our mission
to widen participation
Breaking down the barriers
5
Blue Planet II - our world, our oceans
3
Discovering new depths in partnership with
the BBC Natural History Unit
8 News in brief
Update on scholarships for disabled veterans
and recycling course materials
5
10 reast cancer pilot study
B
Working towards improving the accuracy of
surgery
11 T he gift of education
Changing lives - one student at a time
12 T he legacy garden
A visual testament of gratitude and a place of
9
quiet reflection
Welcome and thank or examination, to the point where they cross the
stage and graduate.
you for all your support I want to thank you for the part you play in
As you know, people of all ages and supporting our students. Whether that is supporting
backgrounds study with us, for all students with disabilities, or helping them financially
sorts of reasons – to update their - you have helped and encouraged them through
skills, get a qualification, boost their journeys.
their career, change direction, and Thank you so much for your generosity. You help to
to prove themselves. The OU is make our students’ dreams a reality.
open to them all.
Whenever I go to Open University degree ceremonies
I am always moved when I hear stories about the
journeys many graduates have been through to
get to that great day. Often graduates bring those Karen Hart
who supported them through their studies to the
Deputy Director of Development:
ceremony; the family or friends who encouraged
Alumni Engagement
them to keep pushing forward through the next TMA
2 Open Door giving.open.ac.uk
Widening participation
Turning 50:
a time for reflection, action
and continued commitment
“… our plans for a university of the air. It’s designed to provide an opportunity for those people who, for
one reason or another, have not been able to take advantage of higher education.” Harold Wilson, 1969
The Open University is an institution unlike any other,
initially conceived in the 1960s as a ‘University of
the Air’ by Harold Wilson, the then Prime Minister.
The concept was met by opposition at first, but the
University received its Royal Charter on the 23 April
1969, and has since taught over 2 million students.
The OU has always aimed to break down barriers. It
is renowned as a world leader in flexible, innovative
distance learning and is uniquely placed to understand
the needs of part-time students, many combining their
learning while earning. People from all walks of life,
from 18-98, from any background are achieving more In January 1990, Brenda Tombs became the 100,000th
than they ever dreamed possible. graduate, and the 1990s saw a decade of technological
Much of the work of the OU in the early years was expansion and curriculum development.
pioneering in nature. The development of the use of The OU is a leader in providing free, informal
broadcasting for education and “distance learning” was learning, via online platforms such as OpenLearn
captured by the academic staff in reports, academic and FutureLearn. We have had 50.4 million visitors
papers, publications and late-night TV programmes. to OpenLearn since 2006, offering 900 free courses,
Move forward 50 years, and today’s students embrace accessed by people from 239 countries. Launched in
all elements of technology with online modules, 2013, FutureLearn now has over 7 million users. There
podcasts and prime time TV. have been 69.9 million downloads from our iTunesU
In the 1980s, the film Educating Rita hit the screens site.
starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine. Since then Today’s OU remains true to its open entry policy. The
there continues to be a wide range of TV and Radio Open University has transformed millions of lives, but
programmes co-produced by The OU and the BBC – millions more remain unlocked. It is time to spark our
many of which you will recognise and some you may revolutionary spirit again, to share the gift of education
not be so familiar with, including Blue Planet and with all those who have a dream, to believe they can
Blue Planet II; Flatpack Empire (the story of IKEA); achieve it and succeed. Your support can help students
Calculating Ada: The Countess of Computing on BBC4 overcome barriers to learning, offering the opportunity
and Thinking Allowed (Radio 4). to embark on a life-changing study journey.
The University has long-standing partnerships with
national institutions. We have worked with the BBC For more history about the OU, why not visit the
for 45 years and 220 million viewers have watched our OU Digital Archive in the library section of the
television programmes produced in partnership with website? open.ac.uk/library/digital-archive
the BBC. We have also worked with 30,000 leading
corporations and businesses including the NHS and 88
of the 100 FTSE companies have sponsored staff on OU
modules.
giving.open.ac.uk Open Door 3
Widening participation
Continuing to break down barriers
2017 saw the launch of the new undergraduate
Bursary Scheme. The bursary is designed to support
students with the cost of their studies, helping them
to buy books or laptops and pay for travel to and from
tutorials. There are up to 50 bursaries available each
year and these will support students through the first
180 credits of study.
The support of generous donors means that students
can set aside financial worries, and focus on fulfilling
their true potential.
Every new bursary is a life changed, a positive influence
created, and countless expectations defied.
The OU is the In 2016/17
number one
university 23,630
in Northern students with
Ireland for disabilities chose
‘Overall to study with us
Student
Satisfaction’ The OU in Scotland
delivers Degree-
level learning
to college
students on
Campus
We are helping
more school
Frank Neale students in
Undergraduate Wales progress
Bursaries to University
From a generous donation
of £50,000, we are proud
55%
of OU students in England come
to launch the Frank Neale
from disadvantaged backgrounds
Bursaries. Like you, Frank
Neale (OU graduate and
former Member of the OU Council), believes
that where you start in life shouldn’t limit where
We are currently Europe’s
largest University with 173,927
you go. Through his generous donation the students
bursaries will be awarded to students wishing to
study at undergraduate level from low income
households or underrepresented groups, who may
not otherwise have been able to access higher Thank you for your generous support and
education. allowing students to open up their future.
As part of the OU’s 50th Anniversary campaign Find out more at giving.open.ac.uk
Open up the Future, the strand Open Up
Opportunity seeks to establish a major financial
support programme to empower disadvantaged
and underrepresented students.
4 Open Door giving.open.ac.uk
Blue Planet II
© BBC
Blue Planet II -
our world, our oceans
BBC Natural History Unit in partnership with The Open University
Blue Planet II, a seven-part series presented by Sir Of©course,
Crown itCopyright
took a lot2013
of effort to make. Over more
David Attenborough, was broadcast on BBC One at the than four years the Blue Planet II team mounted
end of 2017 and it represents a fantastic new chapter of 125 expeditions, visited 39 countries, filmed across
collaboration between the BBC Natural History Unit and every ocean and spent over 6,000 hours diving
The Open University Science Technology Engineering underwater to bring us closer than ever before to the
and Mathematics (STEM) Faculty. A generation on captivating lives of some of the most extraordinary
from the BBC Natural History Unit’s award-winning sea creatures and the strangest environments. The
series The Blue Planet, Blue Planet II used trailblazing Open University has also been involved from the very
breakthroughs in marine science and cutting-edge beginning. The Broadcast and Partnerships team
technology to explore new worlds and reveal the very commissioned and have worked with OU academics
latest discoveries across our planet; from the Arctic and and the production team since 2014. Four academics
Antarctic to the coral reefs of the Pacific Ocean. from the STEM Faculty advised on the series on behalf
of the University throughout production. Dr Pallavi
This landmark series brought viewers face to face with
Anand, Dr Mark Brandon, Dr Mandy Dyson and Dr Phil
unexpected new landscapes and introduced compelling
Sexton worked with the BBC team providing science
contemporary stories from our ocean – if you saw it
background to underpin the general series narrative.
could you ever forget the fish that leaps to pluck birds
Within the partnership these academics ensured that
from the sky? Or the mesmerising footage of the life
the production team understood the most relevant
around a deep sea super-hot water vent?
Open University marine research, and advised where
giving.open.ac.uk Open Door 5
Blue Planet II
currently just under 111 million views in total – and
that is just the UK (episode 1 was also the BBC iPlayer’s
most popular programme of the year). By the time
the series has been watched in North America, this
spring, the audience will top ¼ billion people. With our
educational mission in mind, the fact that the series
was a big hit with younger audiences (14 million UK
viewers aged 16 - 34) is particularly exciting.
The Open University also supported the series and
provided an opportunity for audiences to learn more
© BBC
by producing a spectacular free “Oceans” wall poster;
Sir David Attenborough who has worked on many OU/ featuring illustrations of many fascinating sea creatures,
BBC collaborations and articles written by the OU academic team
highlighting the science of the seas, and critically our
appropriate. The University’s involvement with the environmental impact on the oceans.
television programme enables access to unique
broadcast assets for teaching students. Instead of For centuries humankind has regarded the
having an academic in front of a whiteboard talking vastness of our oceans as an inexhaustible
about, for example, under sea water vents, we can use source of food, a useful conduit for transporting
unique world beating footage from Blue Planet II to give goods and a convenient dumping ground for
our students access to the best possible material for waste – too immense in size to be susceptible
learning. Part of the academic team’s role is to identify to our environmental negligence. But human
which clips can be used for both our current and future irresponsibility is pushing our oceans (and
undergraduate modules. the life-support services they provide) to their
To say the series has been a success seems like an limits.
understatement. The audience has been huge with
Cameraman captures stunning images of ocean life © BBC
6 Open Door giving.open.ac.uk
Blue Planet II
Our poster, like the series, has reached new levels of
success, with approximately 500,000 requests, along
with an unprecedented number of visits to the OU’s
OpenLearn broadcast site.
Dr Mark Brandon was a consultant on the original
Blue Planet series 18 years ago, and he has seen
that one of the huge advances with Blue Planet
Diversity of life
Covering almost three-quarters of
the Earth's surface, the world’s
great oceans are home to an
incredibly diverse web of life. The
World Register of Marine Species
currently lists just under a quarter
II is how the impact of humans on the ocean has
of a million species, with new ones
being identified all the time. But
even as we begin to discover the
astonishing diversity of life and
gain insight into their behaviour
and physiology, human activity is
becoming an increasing threat to Flying fish Our oceans dominate Earth’s natural systems. They control the climate and the carbon
cycle, produce half of all the oxygen we breathe and support an astounding diversity of life.
Exocoetus volitans
been highlighted,
the oceans and the life within them.
Spotted eagle ray Yellow spotted
Aetobatus narinari
Pacific sea jellyfish
nettle jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata
Dugong Chrysaora
“It has been so powerful to work with a team
Dugong dugon Bottlenose pacifica
dolphin Dugong
Dugongs are more closely related to Dugong dugon
Tursiops truncatus
elephants than to marine mammals
such as whales and dolphins. They
Leatherback sea turtle
belong to a group of African mammals Yellowfin tuna Dermochelys coriacea Red lionfish
known as the Afrotheria. This group Thunnus albacares Pterois volitans
EPIPELAGIC
contains the dugong, manatee,
elephant, aardvark, hydrax, elephant
unafraid of being honest about human impact
shrew, golden mole and tenrec. Flatworm
PHOTIC
Pseudoceros susanae
Necklace starfish
Common Fromia monilis
clownfish
Amphiprion
ocellaris Moss animal
on the global ocean. Powerful images of plastics
Phylum bryozoa
Moonfish Common seahorse
Hippocampus kuda
Lampris guttatus Common cuttlefish
Sepia officinalis
Thought to be the first-known Whelk
warm-blooded fish, the moonfish is Buccinidae
floating in the seas, and for example the amount
able to keep its entire body core,
including its heart, a constant 5°C
warmer than the surrounding water. Basking shark
This allows the fish to dive to great Cetorhinus maximus Beadlet anemone
depths and remain there for long
periods without having to return to
Atlantic Moonfish Actinia equina
the surface to warm up. wolffish Lampris guttatus Sea squirt
Anarhichas Ascidia conchilega
200 m
lupus
Grooved
of human waste ingested by seabirds, including
brain coral
Chambered nautilus Diploria
Tiger shark Nautilus pompilius labyrinthiformis
Galeocerdo
cuvier
Red lionfish Longbill spearfish
EPIPELAGIC 0 – 200 m
wandering albatross on prime-time landmark
Pterois volitans Tetrapturus pfluegeri
MESOPELAGIC
Humans are limited to the upper 50 m of this shallowest region
Much about the venomous lionfish’s
appearance conveys a sense of of the oceans. This close to the surface there is light and the
danger – from its red and white zebra winds can make the temperatures relatively uniform.
TWILIGHT
stripes to its long, elaborate pectoral
fins. Its venom is delivered, for purely Yellow tube sponge
defensive purposes, via an array of Aplysina fistularis
television and coral bleaching through warming
needle-like dorsal fins. A sting is
extremely painful to humans, but is
rarely fatal. Humpback whale Spotted moray
Megaptera novaeangliae Gymnothorax moringa
MESOPELAGIC 200 – 1000 m
The mid-depths of the oceans are often called the ‘twilight zone’
oceans are important. It is only through such
as the daylight fades with increasing depth. It is a vast habitat
for many species of fish and a hunting habitat for mammals.
Coelacanth
Latimeria chalumnae
These primitive-looking fish were
thought to have died out with the Giant oarfish
honesty that we can ever hope to develop policy
dinosaurs 66 million years ago. But Regalecus glesne Coelacanth
scientists discovered these ‘living Latimeria chalumnae
fossils’ in 1938, of which only two Pacific hatchetfish
BATHYPELAGIC 1000 – 4000 m
1000 m
known species exist. Coelacanths Argyropelecus affinis
represent an early step in the
evolution of fish to land-based,
four-legged animals like amphibians. There is virtually no light at these depths. The relatively uniform oceanic
temperature makes it a good habitat for many species of adapted fish.
Squid at these depths are a major food source for sperm whales.
responses to such tragedies.”
Goblin shark
Deep-sea spider crab Mitsukurina owstoni
Platymaia wyvillethomsoni
BATHYPELAGIC
Sperm whale
Sperm whale Physeter Giant Pacific
macrocephalus octopus
MIDNIGHT
Physeter macrocephalus
These giant mammals possess the
Enteroctopus dofleini ABYSSOPELAGIC 4000 – 6000 m
Sun light never reaches these depths and energy for the fish and
largest brain of any animals that have Atlantic hagfish benthic animals that live here rains down from above. Very few
ever lived on Earth. Their head Myxine glutinosa
contains an oily fluid (which hardens humans have reached these depths, in special submarines.
when cold) that regulates their
buoyancy during diving and rising in
search of food. They can dive to
around 1 km depth by holding their
breath for 90 minutes.
HADOPELAGIC > 6000 m
Dana viperfish Ocean trenches make up a tiny proportion of the Earth’s surface.
And Blue Planet II has been mentioned in
Cock-eyed squid Chauliodus danae They descend from the oceans’ abyssal plains to huge depths, the
Gulper eel Histioteuthis heteropsis deepest reaching almost 11 km. Only 3 humans have been this deep.
Eurypharynx pelecanoides Gulper eel
Eurypharynx
4000 m
The name of this bizarre looking eel pelecanoides
derives from its abnormally large Dumbo octopus
mouth, which is much larger than its
Grimpoteuthis bathynectes
the House…
body. Its jaw is loosely hinged, so it
can open wide enough to swallow an
animal much larger than itself. The eel
also has a pink light-producing organ Common fangtooth
that it uses to lure prey towards its Anoplogaster cornuta
enormous mouth.
ABYSSOPELAGIC
Vampire squid
Vampyroteuthis Giant tube worms
infernalis Riftia pachyptila
ABYSS
The UK Government Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip
Dumbo octopus
Grimpoteuthis bathynectes
‘Dumbo octopus’ refers to an
entire genus of deep-sea umbrella Basket starfish
octopuses, comprising at least Gorgonocephalus eucnemis
15 species. Their name derives from
their fins, which resemble the ears of
Hammond, stated in the Autumn 2017 Budget Speech:
Disney’s Dumbo the elephant. All Squat lobster
live at extreme depths of 3000 m to Munidopsis profunda
7000 m making this group the
deepest living of all known octopuses.
Sea spider
Colossendeis
megalonyx
Rattail fish
Coryphaenoides
yaquinae
“Audiences across the country, glued to Blue Planet II, 6000 m
Angler fish
Melanocetus johnstonii
The female angler fish is recognised by
a long spine resembling a fishing pole
with a lit end, which is used to attract
Angler fish
have been starkly reminded of the problems of plastics
prey. Their large mouth and flexible
body allow them to swallow prey twice Melanocetus johnstonii Stalked crinoid
HADOPELAGIC
their own size. A female may host up Bathycrinus carpenterii
to six males on her body. The males Black swallower
eventually fuse with her after losing all Chiasmodon niger
their internal organs except testes.
Snailfish
HADAL
Pseudoliparis
amblystomopsis
pollution. Sea pig
Scotoplanes globosa
Sea pig
Scotoplanes
globosa
Earth’s global oceans
For centuries humankind has regarded the vastness of our oceans as an
Sea pigs are a type of sea cucumber,
and are restricted to deep, cold parts
inexhaustible source of food, a useful conduit for transporting goods and a
of the ocean where they are the
convenient dumping ground for waste – too immense in size to be susceptible
The UK led the world on climate change agreements.
dominant animals. They have five to Giant red shrimp
seven pairs of enlarged tube feet that
are hydraulically operated and serve
Acorn worm
Enteropneusta
Aristaeomorpha foliacea to our environmental negligence. But human irresponsibility is pushing our
Giant amphipod
as legs, allowing them to ‘walk’ along
the sea floor. Alicella gigantea oceans (and the life-support services they provide) to their limits.
To discover more about oceans visit www.open.edu/openlearn/blueplanet
And is a pioneer in protecting marine environments.
Now I want us to become a world leader in tackling the
scourge of plastic, littering our planet and our oceans.
Our oceans dominate Earth’s natural systems. They control the
climate and the carbon cycle, produce half of all the oxygen we
breathe, and support an astounding diversity of life.
CLIMATE WARMING FUTURE OF
PLASTIC OCEANS & OCEAN CIRCULATION THE CARBON CYCLE
With My Right Honourable Friend the Environment
The demand for plastic continues to grow but its durability – the key One of the most worrying and widely anticipated impacts of ongoing global Concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere continue to rise
characteristic that makes plastic so popular – is also the reason why it is warming is a weakening or collapse of the oceans’ overturning circulation. at an astronomical rate. But even more disturbing is that the rate of change
so widespread in the oceans. Plastic debris in our oceans is emerging as This vast system of oceanic currents plays a major role in maintaining our in CO2 levels is entirely unprecedented in Earth’s history. We therefore have
a new, truly global challenge and one that requires a response at local, regional climates and our oceans’ biological productivity by transporting little knowledge of how our planet, and our oceans in particular, will cope
regional and international levels. enormous volumes of heat, salt, nutrients and carbon around the planet. with this ever-increasing burden of greenhouse gas.
THE CHALLENGE that, when eaten, leach out and disrupt
normal hormonal function. Microplastics
POLAR SINKING We don’t yet know. But if circulation does
slow or change flow direction, it would have
THE CO2 PROBLEM tomorrow, we still need to try to remove
the CO2 that we have already put into the
Secretary I will investigate how the tax system and
Global production of plastics is rising – in also absorb a wide array of organic and The Arctic Ocean between Greenland and major consequences for regional climates In the spring of 2014, for the first time in atmosphere. Since the 1990s, scientists and
2015 global plastic production exceeded 320 inorganic pollutants from the surrounding Norway, and the Southern Ocean around and ocean ecosystems. The past offers human history, and probably the first time engineers have been working on methods
million metric tons. A 2015 study estimated environment. Their large surface-area- Antarctica, are both areas where cooling us insights into what Earth would look like in the last 2.5 million years, atmospheric to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and
that 275 million metric tons of plastic waste to-volume ratio means they concentrate and higher salinity make the seawater at should the oceans’ circulation change. Data levels of the greenhouse gas CO2 exceeded reduce the severity of future climate change.
was generated in 192 coastal countries in organic pollutants and can be up to six the surface dense enough to sink into the from the geological past and computer 400 parts per million. This has been driven These methods involve using: (a) naturally
2010, and between 4.8 and 12.7 million orders of magnitude more contaminated abyss to form the descending currents models both show that if the North Atlantic primarily by the burning of fossil fuels, with occurring molecules, which react with CO2
tons of it ended up in the ocean as a result than sea water. Ingestion of microplastics of the oceans’ global circulation system. circulation slows or shuts down, the entire contributions from other industrial activities. to form carbonate minerals that capture
of poor waste management. The study also by marine zooplankton at the bottom of the Predictions are that global warming will Northern Hemisphere cools, Indian and Prior to the Industrial Revolution, CO2 and store CO2 in solid form; and (b) small
predicted that, without waste management food chain is magnified in organisms higher cause surface ocean waters in these polar Asian monsoon areas dry up, and less ocean concentrations were about 270 parts per devices termed ‘CO2 scrubbers’, which aim
improvements, the quantity of plastic waste up the food chain, where toxins accumulate regions to become warmer and less dense mixing results in less plankton and other life million, and had been consistently at that to replicate the process by which CO2 is
entering the ocean from land will increase by and concentration is increased. (more ‘buoyant’) and thus less likely to sink. in the ocean. level for the 10,000 years of warm climate removed from the air by leaves.
an order of magnitude by 2025, resulting in 1 A stronger hydrological cycle, coupled with that humanity has experienced since the
charges on single-use plastic items can reduce waste.”
ton of plastic for every 3 tons of fish. ice sheet melting, will lower the salinity of end of the last Ice Age. Yet, at 400 parts per
polar surface waters, which will also increase million, we now find ourselves further from
Although there is substantial concern about cream; abrasives used to strip paint and/or OCEAN FACTS the buoyancy of surface waters. All these because of climate warming and a stronger OCEAN FACTS this average level for our warm climate of Rate of change is crucial OCEAN FACTS
macroplastic debris (comprising, among remove rust from buildings, cars, ships and hydrological cycle delivering more fresh
factors could weaken the oceans’ overturning the last 10,000 years than this average level The rate at which CO2 is released from fossil
other things, fishing nets, plastic bags, and aircraft; fibres from synthetic fabrics (more Why do seabirds eat plastic? circulation or even make it collapse. water as rain. The hydrological cycle was from the depths of the last Ice Age. This Where is the warming?
drinks containers), recent research highlights fuels will determine how much of this CO2 can
than 1900 microplastic fibres are released Seabirds such as albatrosses, The hydrological cycle describes the underscores just how much we have already be absorbed by the oceans. Too fast a release CO2 is a powerful greenhouse gas in
the growing presence and abundance Has ocean circulation already
of microplastics in marine environments.
from a single synthetic garment in just one shearwaters and petrels are known Ice sheet melting large-scale movement of water between altered the greenhouse gas composition of and the oceans’ natural CO2 sinks will not be our atmosphere, meaning that it allows
wash); and the mechanical abrasion of car as tube-nosed seabirds. They fly vast started to change? Earth’s major reservoirs: atmospheric our atmosphere, with major implications for able to keep pace. Already the rate of release incoming sunlight to reach the Earth’s
These plastic particles can be as small as tyres on roads. Global warming is melting Earth’s ice.
distances to find their food and mainly our future climate and oceans. is overwhelming the capacity of upper ocean surface, but blocks outgoing heat
a virus, and are now found worldwide, from Ocean circulation in the North Atlantic water vapour (e.g. clouds), rain water,
use smell to locate it. They feed on Arctic sea ice is thinning dramatically and sinks to absorb it all. Over long timescales from escaping into space. Yet, if CO2
the Arctic to the Antarctic, on beaches, in So why should we care? seems to have slowed in recent decades, fresh water, ice sheets, sea ice and
squid, fish and krill. Dimethyl sulphide its geographic extent is shrinking too. Can the oceans bail us out? of 1000 years or more, our CO2 pollution will is such a powerful greenhouse gas,
surface waters and in deep-sea sediments. The Greenland ice sheet is also shrinking, but it is currently unclear whether this saline ocean water. The broad pattern on
It is estimated that, on average, every square Plastics adversely affect terrestrial and (DMS) is a chemical that is released slowdown has been triggered by climate Earth is that ocean water is evaporated Today, there is 60 times more carbon in the gradually be transferred into the deep ocean, where is the extreme warming that
from the cells of marine alga when shedding nearly 300 billion tons of water but this is a slow process as it occurs only in should have accompanied the extreme
kilometre of the world’s oceans has 63,320 marine ecosystems at both the macro and change or is just part of a normal cycle of from the warm ocean surface in the deep ocean than in the atmosphere. It is
krill eat it. DMS therefore serves as an a year into the North Atlantic. The West isolated polar regions where surface waters increase in recent CO2 levels? The main
microplastic particles floating on the surface micro scales. Nearly 700 marine species faster and slower currents. It is also unclear tropics, is carried polewards by the for this reason that one of the main controls
olfactory cue alerting the birds to the Antarctic ice sheet is also melting and sink into the abyss, carrying their CO2 burden reason that soaring CO2 emissions
and in some places concentrations can be have been reported to either ingest and/ whether circulation in the Southern Ocean, major wind systems, and finally falls as on the CO2 levels in the atmosphere is how
presence of krill. showing signs of becoming increasingly with them. Eventually, over timescales of have not caused air temperatures to
27 times higher. or become entangled by plastic. This which circles the Antarctic continent, has rain (or snow) in polar regions. A warmer much carbon is stored in the deep ocean.
unstable. As well as raising global sea 1000 to 10,000 years, this excess CO2 will be warm more than 1°C thus far is that
includes almost 50 per cent of all seabirds, started to change yet, although its surface climate will strengthen this water cycle, This huge reservoir of oceanic carbon means
A new study has shown that levels, this melting will weaken deep ocean neutralised by reaction with abyssal sea-floor oceans have soaked up nine-tenths of
The BBC believe the series has impacted the
Where do microplastics sea snakes, sea turtles, penguins, seals, waters have warmed substantially. causing more rainfall nearer the poles, that the oceans may be able to help us out
tube-nosed seabirds swallow large circulation by adding huge volumes of sediments. But can we wait that long? the heat. But the oceans have a finite
sea lions, manatees, sea otters, fish and of our ever-worsening CO2 problem. They
come from? amounts of plastic compared to other fresh water into the polar ocean surface, and thus greater buoyancy in polar
crustaceans. The effects can be fatal but The past as a guide to the future have absorbed at least one-quarter of the heat absorption capacity, so when this
Some microplastics in the ocean result from may also have sub-lethal consequences,
birds because plastic debris coated thus increasing its buoyancy and reducing surface waters, reducing their sinking
excess CO2 generated by human activities. Carbon capture capacity becomes saturated, we may
with algae has a high level of DMS its capacity to sink. While the Antarctic The big question is: when (or) will ocean capability and potentially slowing down start to belatedly experience a level of
the incomplete degradation of larger plastic compromising their ability to catch and But scientists think that the oceanic CO2 One solution to our CO2 problem is obviously
To discover more about oceans visit pieces. However there are several other digest food, escape from predators, maintain
associated with it and so smells like ice sheet is not experiencing as much net circulation in the North Atlantic and Southern the deep ocean conveyor circulation. sink may be slowing, partly because CO2 to burn less fossil fuels, but that doesn’t atmospheric warming commensurate
food to the birds. melting as Greenland, its surface waters Ocean switch to new circulation patterns
www.open.edu/openlearn/blueplanet sources. These include microbeads found
in skin cleansers, toothpaste and shaving
body condition and migrate. Plastics contain
chemicals (added to increase their durability)
are nevertheless becoming more buoyant in response to ongoing global warming?
has been accumulating in the upper ocean,
which is now becoming saturated.
seem likely to happen any time soon. Even with our soaring CO2 levels.
if we could stop the burning of fossil fuels
Learning with The Open University
development of the HM Government 25 year Academic Excellence
The OU’s academics are some of the
leading experts in their field. They apply
their passion for their research when
preparing study materials, which means
that you get to learn from the best.
Find out more about the OU academics
Accessible
If you have little or no knowledge or
experience of studying, the OU’s ‘Access
modules’ are open to all and an ideal
starting point. They have been specially
designed to help you find out what it’s like
to study with the OU, get a taste for the
subjects we offer, develop your study skills,
Environmental science (S206)
This online module spans biology, chemistry,
earth science and physics, drawing them
together in a holistic approach to studying
the environment. You’ll investigate air,
water, earth, life and cycles and explore
the processes, interactions and feedback
mechanisms operating within different
environments.
environmental plan A Green Future by presenting such
who have worked on this television series build your confidence and prepare you for
further study. For more information visit: For more information visit www.open.ac.uk/
and this Oceans poster:
www.open.ac.uk/access courses or call our Student Registration &
Enquiry Service on 0300 303 5303
Affordable
Dr Pallavi Anand For more information about Open University
Studying with the OU is more affordable broadcasts and associated free learning,
Lecturer in Ocean than you might think. You may even be able visit: www.open.edu/openlearn/whats-on
OCEAN ACIDIFICATION INVISIBLE PLANKTON MARINE CONSERVATION
Biogeochemistry to study for free. For more information on
Every effort has been made to contact
all of the funding options available to you
copyright holders. If any have been
please visit: www.open.ac.uk/fees
inadvertently overlooked the publishers
www.open.ac.uk/people/pa2398 Study will be pleased to make the necessary
arrangements at the first opportunity.
The Open University offers a range of
compelling evidence; in an interview in January 2018
Published in 2017 by The Open University,
Dr Mark qualifications for those interested in natural
Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, to
and environmental sciences:
Brandon accompany the BBC/OU series Blue Planet II,
Marine phytoplankton are the foundation of oceanic biological productivity, Today the oceans face many challenges from extensive human
BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (Q64) first broadcast on BBC ONE in autumn 2017. Our oceans are currently absorbing half of the carbon dioxide (CO2)
Reader in Polar
Oceanography Discover the fascinating natural world BBC Series Producer: Mark Brownlow emitted by burning fossil fuels. This absorption is increasing ocean acidity, supporting complex marine food webs, and are a vital component of life on impacts. We have used the oceans for fishing, trade, communication
by studying biology through a mixture of
compulsory and optional modules including:
BBC Executive Producer: James Honeyborne threatening the survival of marine organisms and their habitats, and Earth. Using energy from the sun, they absorb as much carbon as all the and warfare and, as the Earth’s population has increased from
www.open.ac.uk/people/mab49 BBC Commissioning Editor: Tom McDonald trees and other plants on land, through photosynthesis. They also produce ~1 billion in 1800 to more than 7.5 billion today, so the pressures
the structure and function of cells, the
importance of biology in human health OU Broadcast Commissioner:
affecting our oceans’ health. If the continuing rise in emissions are not
and technology, and how evolutionary Dr Caroline Ogilvie controlled, ocean acidity will reach 150 per cent by the next century. half of all the oxygen that we breathe. have increased – particularly on fishing.
Dr Miranda adaptations contribute to the survival of OU Media Fellow: Dr Mark Brandon
Dyson whole organisms.
OU Academic Consultants: Dr Pallavi Anand,
Senior Lecturer in BSc (Honours) Environmental Dr Mark Brandon, Dr Miranda Dyson,
the Prime Minister Theresa May said,
Behavioural Ecology Sciences (Q52) Dr Philip Sexton THE OTHER CO2 Neutralising acidity THE ‘INVISIBLE PLANTS’ in the polar regions and less diverse in the
tropics. Phytoplankton are also changing
FISHERIES noise. But do they work? Studies of MPA
effectiveness have shown they consistently
and Evolutionary
Biology
This degree develops the scientific
knowledge and techniques required for
OU ‘Oceans’ poster PROBLEM The current rise of atmospheric CO2 and OF THE OCEAN in abundance and hence productivity. As Fishing is often described as ‘harvesting improve biodiversity (the number of species
Authors: Dr Pallavi Anand, Dr Mark Brandon, its impact on ocean acidity does not allow surface waters warm, there is less vertical the oceans’, but it is different from farming. present), and fish numbers within them
understanding fundamental environmental Oceans are absorbing additional CO2 sufficient time for organisms and ecosystems Marine plankton consist of microscopic
www.open.ac.uk/people/mld5 patterns and processes and investigating Dr Miranda Dyson, Dr Philip Sexton mixing to recycle stored nutrients from What farmer would knowingly deplete his are higher too. How much human activity
emitted to the atmosphere from the burning to adapt. To alleviate this pressure, reduction algae and bacteria (phytoplankton) and
ecosystems. It also addresses how Graphic Designer & Illustrator: Glen Darby deep waters back to the surface. The stock without ensuring there was a reliable can be restricted depends on whether the
of fossil fuels. The absorption of CO2 in global CO2 emissions and ocean acidity animals (zooplankton). Phytoplankton
environmental science relates to society. Broadcast Project Manager: Julia Burrows complex effects of these changes on marine supply of replacement animals? Fishing in MPA is in international waters, the exclusive
increases the oceans’ acidity through a form the base of marine food webs. They
Dr Philip Sexton are required. Ideas being explored include food webs, carbon capture and oxygen the recent past has resembled the large-scale economic zone or territorial sea. The largest
Some of the modules you can study on your series of chemical changes and reduces addition of neutralisers to the oceans, and the are eaten by zooplankton – thousands of
Senior Lecturer in Copyright © The Open University 2017 production is not yet clear, but they could unsustainable slaughter of the herds of buffalo MPA is currently an area of 1.5 million square
pathway to a qualification within natural and the availability of molecules essential for capturing and safe storage of atmospheric species of tiny animals, some of which
Ocean Science environmental sciences are: result in a cascade of negative consequences on the North American plains, and marine kilometres of the Ross Sea in Antarctica (about
All rights reserved. No part of this publication calcium carbonate shell formation. Also, CO2. These positive steps are essential for are the larval forms of larger animals.
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, throughout the marine ecosystem that may ecosystems worldwide are paying the price. 6 times the area of the United Kingdom). About
oceans’ ability to hold CO2 is affected by saving our oceans, upon which we depend for Zooplankton, in turn, become meals for
Questions in science (S111) or transmitted in any form or by any means, ultimately threaten the abundance and 2 per cent of the oceans are protected by
temperature. Cold water holds more CO2 larger predators, ranging from small fish
This introductory science module electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording food, natural resources and recreation. diversity of all life in the ocean. Human impacts on marine MPAs, and there are plans to expand this.
www.open.ac.uk/people/pfs67 than warm water, and because the oceans to enormous whales. Like land plants,
encompasses astronomy and planetary or otherwise without the prior permission of the
are warming rapidly, their ability to absorb phytoplankton have chlorophyll and, through x7,000 environments
science; biology; chemistry; earth and copyright holders.
CO2 in the future is going to be severely photosynthesis, they use sunlight, nutrients As human population has increased, so has
environmental sciences; and physics. This
The Open University (OU) is the UK’s largest module is the entry point for the Natural
Enquiries regarding extracts or the re-use of any
information in this publication, email:
hampered. As a result more CO2 will remain OCEAN FACTS and carbon dioxide to produce organic About three-quarters of the deep ocean OCEAN FACTS the pressure on fish stocks. Unfortunately, binding on states that have not ratified or OCEAN FACTS
“Nobody who watched Blue Planet will doubt the need
academic community with over 170,000 in the atmosphere, further increasing Earth’s marine food webs. Shell-forming marine carbon compounds in the form of soft
Sciences degree, and develops generic LTI-Rights@open.ac.uk floor is covered by sediment that can reach ‘stocks’ implies there are large supplies acceded to it, such as the USA. Fish are mobile
students and over 120 qualifications in a temperature. In short, ocean acidification is creatures face two potential threats from Unprecedented change tissues, releasing oxygen as a by-product. A vital role The United Nations
For more information or to download the poster,
study skills, maths skills and investigative thicknesses of over a kilometre. In this way, of available fish, and this is often not the and at different points in their life cycles they
range of fascinating and challenging subjects. skills alongside key concepts in science. Printed in the UK by Belmont Press. caused by rising atmospheric CO2, which ocean acidification: they are unable to build Convention on the Law
You don’t have to put your life on hold to get robust shells and their shells dissolve more Fifty-six million years ago the oceans marine snow transports carbon captured at Phytoplankton form the foundation of case. Pressure on fish stocks has increased can pass through the legal responsibility of
The Open University is incorporated by Royal increases oceans’ acidity and reduction in
became so acidic that many marine A biological pump the ocean surface into the deep and is part as humans have moved from fish traps many states. This makes managing marine of the Sea (UNCLOS)
the qualification you need. Around 70 per Science: concepts and practice (S112) Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in essential ions required for shell formation, readily as the ocean acidifies and becomes marine ecosystems and carry out half
cent of our students fit study around their more corrosive. organisms died out, in particular of a biological ‘carbon pump’. If the pumped thousands of years ago to factory ships stocks challenging. Many states claim Coastal states have a territorial sea out to
In this wholly online module, you’ll explore England & Wales, and a charity registered in with potentially devastating consequences Organic matter and shells of calcifying of all photosynthesis on Earth. Half
jobs and busy, changing lives. Wherever you Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University organisms with carbonate shells. carbon dissolves in deep waters, it is locked today, which catch and process large exclusive fishing rights to the full 200 nautical 12 nautical miles (1 nautical mile = 1.852 km)
key ideas that underpin the study of science for marine ecosystems and our planet. plankton settle to the ocean floor when of all the oxygen in our atmosphere
study, your OU tutor, study advisers and other is authorised and regulated by the Financial However, some surface-dwelling away for hundreds or thousands of years, quantities of fish while still at sea. The result miles of their exclusive economic zone (or a line
students are as close by as you need them to
disciplines at a higher level. Following a
Conduct Authority.
Acidity and ecology phytoplankton and calcifying plankton die.
whereas if this carbon becomes buried in the
comes from oceanic photosynthesis.
has been significant overfishing of some between them where states are closer than 200
where they set and enforce laws and can
week exploring scale, each subsequent Dissolving shells plankton species and other animals Organic matter is lighter than seawater so In addition to providing us with use any resource. The measurement is from
be – online, email, phone or face to face. week focuses on an area of a particular Continued ocean acidification will result in sediment, it is locked away for millions species over the last century. For example nautical miles apart). Good management limits
survived and the oceans slowly its vertical transport is through adsorption at oxygen, oceans remove a substantial a notional base line. For a further 12 nautical
For more information or to request a discipline – biology, chemistry, earth SUP 047613 When carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean it coral reefs corroding faster than they can be recovered over hundreds of thousands the surface of other falling particles such as
of years. cod, once abundant in the North Atlantic, the amount of fish caught so that no species
science, environmental science and physics/ amount of carbon dioxide created has been so depleted that current fishing is miles, states can enforce a contiguous zone,
prospectus visit: www.open.ac.uk/courses produces carbonic acid, which, in addition to rebuilt, threatening their long-term viability of years. So why should we be so shell fragments, dust, sand and faecal matter. is over-exploited and the overall ecosystem
astronomy. Plankton in future oceans by human industrial activity, making heavily restricted. Another issue is so-called which is important for immigration, pollution,
making the ocean more acidic, also binds up and that of the estimated one million species concerned about the ocean acidification These falling particles of dead plankton and does not decline. Today, many experts believe
for us to do something.”
that rely on them for survival. Other ecological them a crucial component in the battle ‘bycatch’, when trawlers catch a species that that in many cases we must aim to allow fish customs and taxation. For 200 nautical miles
with carbonate ions, essential building blocks that is happening today? One big other organic materials are called marine Hundreds and thousands of species of from the baseline, states have an exclusive
visit OpenLearn (open.edu/openlearn) and search
for shell formation. The reduced availability impacts of acidification on marine organisms to slow human-engineered climate they do not want. Historically, this bycatch populations to rise, even if that means reducing
difference is that, back then, acidification snow because they resemble snowflakes phytoplankton live in Earth’s oceans, each
Grateful acknowledgement is made to the following sources: Globe alegri, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/; Plastics Christope Launay / Aurora Photos; Dead Sea of essential shell-forming ions means include reductions in the spawning and larval change. Future warming of the oceans was discarded and, because the fish were our current exploitation rates. economic zone (EEZ) where they have rights
of the ocean happened over a period of falling from the upper ocean. The majority of adapted to particular seawater conditions.
Bird USFWS Photo / Alamy Stock Photo; Hot Beach Ben Goode / 123RF; Ice Cliff KEENPRESS / Stone / Getty Images; Industry akiyoko / Shutterstock.com; Car Exhausts ©
investment of more energy in shell formation growth of fish, the oxygen-carrying capacity thousands to tens of thousands of years. will not only threaten phytoplankton killed, there is an additional impact on the over natural resources. Outside this are
Ssuaphoto | Dreamstime.com; Ocean Reef Alexander Safonov / Moment Select / Getty Images; Bleached Coral Acropora. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Keppelbleaching.jpg; marine snow disintegrates during the journey Changes in water temperature, clarity,
Plankton Bloom NASA Earth Observatory; Phytoplankton C. Bolton (CEREGE, France); Factory Ship All Canada Photos / Alamy Stock Photo; Fishing vessel Mark Brandon. at the expense of other essential activities, of blood in squid and predator-avoidance This gave some organisms a chance to the ocean floor, with only 1 per cent making nutrient content and salinity affect both the
growth (due to limited availability of ecosystem. This impact includes the fish not Marine protected areas international waters (or high seas) where no
overall hampering growth in organisms behaviour in sea urchins and fish. In contrast, to adapt and allowed ocean sediments nutrients), but also risk the health of being a food source for other species. state is in control. Where states are closer
it to the deep ocean where it provides food diversity and abundance of phytoplankton We can restrict human activities, such as
such as corals, oysters, clams and mussels. plants and many algae (including seaweeds to neutralise the extra acidity. Today’s marine ecosystems, including our than 200 nautical miles apart, boundaries
for many deep-sea creatures that filter it communities. In response to trends in commercial fishing and mineral development,
Many species of plankton are making thinner and sea grasses) may flourish in a high CO2 acidification rate is at least 10 times fisheries. Managing fisheries lie at the mid-point between them. This is
To discover more about oceans visit carbonate shells and their fate is particularly world. However, future increases in coastal faster than 56 million years ago.
from the water or scavenge it from the ocean
floor. The small percentage not consumed is
increasing ocean temperatures and acidity,
the diversity of phytoplankton communities The UN Law of the Sea treaty determines
by using the laws. We can create marine
protected areas (MPAs) to limit shipping and
called the median line.
www.open.edu/openlearn/blueplanet
important because they form the base of pollution may counteract this potential benefit. incorporated into ocean floor sediments. is also changing, becoming more diverse where states can fish, but the treaty is not reduce both local pollution and acoustic
We are rightly proud that we can tie so many of our for Blue Planet II.
Open University mission goals in education, research
and impact together, and look forward to our future
broadcasts!
giving.open.ac.uk Open Door 7
News in brief
NEWS IN BRIEF...
For those who served - WE can give back
An enormous thank you to to support disabled veterans to fulfil the potential they
everyone who generously demonstrated within the armed forces.
gave to our latest appeal to
support the Disabled Veterans The Disabled Veterans Scholarship Dinner
Scholarship Fund. Over 800 In October 2017, 80 of the
alumni and supporters have OU’s supporters and friends
made donations totalling joined Peter Horrocks,
£40,000 to help veterans with the Vice-Chancellor, for
a disability unlock their full a dinner to celebrate the
potential. newly launched Disabled
John Spence
For veterans like John (pictured), Veterans Scholarship Fund,
leaving the forces can bring a sudden loss of purpose. which raised over £20,000 to
Everything changes. An injury in the line of duty support the programme.
abruptly robs them of both a career and a way of life. During the evening, guests heard from a variety of
Though they gain many skills in service, many injured inspirational speakers, including Cherry Day (Vice
veterans will discover they don’t have the educational President Equal Opportunities, Open University
background required for ‘Civvy Street’. Students’ Association). Cherry shared her own
This is why The Open University has developed The experience as a student with disabilities and of her
Disabled Veterans Scholarship Fund, which is the first father who was a member of the armed forces and
of its kind in the UK. It aims to offer not only financial suffered from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
support for disabled veterans embarking on higher Thank you to everyone who donated before, during and
education study, but also vital care and advice to help after the event.
them succeed and start the next chapter of their lives.
From new engineers and mechanics, to team leaders,
It’s not too late to help unlock the potential of
teachers, entrepreneurs and CEOs, the new fund aims
disabled veterans and transform their lives. To
make a gift, visit www.open.ac.uk/donatenow
From Spring 2018 we will be accepting applications,
aiming to provide a full scholarship and support
package for up to 100 undergraduates, plus a
bespoke disability and careers support service.
Opportunities to recycle and help others
Nearly twenty years ago, OU alumna Jo Hunt had an have found good homes throughout the world.
inspirational idea when she and her family realised that
To date, Jo has raised an incredible £210,000, in
their attic was groaning under the weight of OU course
support of the University and its students. Thank you to
material which they had added to over the years, fully
Jo and everyone that has used the website.
intending to read again but never quite finding the
time. Guessing that other students were in the same If you would like more information on how to sell
position, the website was set up for students who want or buy old OU course material please contact:
to buy and sell second-hand OU course material and set www.universitybooksearch.co.uk
books. Since its inception, tens of thousands of books
8 Open Door giving.open.ac.uk
News in brief
Helping young people build a more
resilient and financially secure future
Managing My Money for Young Adults was launched
on OpenLearn in November 2017 to better support “This is a powerful
16-18 year olds as they become responsible for their initiative which I’m
own financial future and has already been viewed by proud to be a part of.
over 16,000 people. This was possible thanks to the I’ve seen the problems
generosity of the Chartered Accountants Livery Charity. created by poor
financial management
New research from The Open University Business
from every side of
School (OUBS) reveals one in seven 18 year olds are Bobby Seagull
the fence; working as
already in debt. Excluding student borrowing, these 18
a trader at Lehman
year olds have already racked up debts on credit cards,
Brothers right through to the financial collapse
unauthorised overdrafts, store cards and catalogues.
in 2008, as a Senior Associate at PwC, and in my
Almost two-thirds of this age group believe this could
current role as a secondary school maths teacher.
have been avoided if they’d received more effective
The core problem is clear to me. There are too
personal finance education and 94% say it would
many highly educated young people stepping out
have been prevented with some form of guidance or
into the world without the knowledge they need
support.
to make informed financial decisions. Prevention
To combat this growing problem, OUBS has really is better than cure when it comes to
joined forces with University Challenge star personal finance and this course is a great way
and Arithmophobia expert, Bobby Seagull, and for young people to help themselves, above
MoneySavingExpert’s Martin Lewis, to develop a and beyond what they are taught in school and
free course specifically designed for the financial college.”
education needs of 16-18 year olds. This course on
Bobby Seagull, University Challenge Star and
the OU OpenLearn platform is delivered via video
Arithmophobia Expert
content, animations, case studies, activities and
quizzes. It provides 24 hours of learning broken into
eight sessions, and offers learners a strong foundation
of personal finance knowledge including sessions
on understanding tax, being a savvy shopper, living To access these courses, visit open.edu/openlearn
in shared households, credit ratings, mortgages and and search for “Managing my money”
pensions. It even features a bespoke app which will
help to manage budgets easily and effectively, and step-
by-step animations to guide you through tricky financial
processes.
Visionary and committed DANGOOR
to education for all EDUCATION
The OU would like to thank Dangoor Education for another year of generous patronage of the Informal to Formal
Accelerator Project. The project has continued to provide key support toward the creation and maintenance of
essential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Open Education Resources (OERs – free courses
accessed via OpenLearn), enjoyed by thousands of learners each year.
There are now 17 OERs supported by Dangoor Education, with plans in progress to increase this to 25 by the end of
2018. The OERs, encompassing a range of subjects from health to space are suitable for learners of varying levels
of educational experience and can be found on FutureLearn [open.edu/futurelearn] and OpenLearn [open.edu/
openlearn]. We are grateful to have a partner with such passion and belief in the OU.
giving.open.ac.uk Open Door 9
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