OU Fusion - the Open University Physics and Astronomy Society
Affiliated to the Institute of Physics
Welcome to Fusion
FUSION is the Open University Physics & Astronomy society. We were formed in 2001 by students who recognised the need to create a society for OU students and graduates whose primary interest is in physics & astronomy. We have over 150 members many of whom are studying at various levels of the physical sciences study program. We organise regular events of interest to members, have a regular newsletter, a Facebook group. We welcome current and past students or anyone with a general interest in physics and astronomy.
You can keep up with all the latest on this website, or via our Facebook page. We'd love to hear what you think about the website too! To contact us, click here.
Messages from the committee
- Fusion T-shirts and Sweatshirts
- Due to a technical glitch, there are a couple of errors on our merchandise page which we have not been able to eliminate. Firstly, the page lists large Maxwell T-shirts as being in stock, when in fact they are not. Also the page does not include Fusion sweatshirts, which we do have. You can order sweatshirts direct from us (i.e. not via the merchandise page); we have a good range in black, navy and grey, and sizes from small to xxlarge. Price: £15 each. To order, email us.
- Articles for the FUSION Newsletter
- Invitations are invited from ANY Fusion member (or associates or friends of members) who would like to contribute an original (previously unpublished) article, quiz, puzzle etc to the next Fusion Newsletter. Any theme remotely related to the interests of this Group or Society would be welcome. Please consult the editor if you are unsure about a topic. For enquiries and submissions email the editor, Nigel Patterson.
All authors of published contributions will receive a free FUSION sweatshirt!
Events and Links
FUSE event: St Andrews, 29-30 November
FUSE (Federation of University Societies Event) is for members of the IOP Affiliated Society Network, to come together with other physics and astronomy society committees from around the UK & Ireland to share ideas, pool learning and experiences and connect for future collaborations. Events include star gazing socials, sessions on running big events and outreach activities, with lots of networking opportunities. We can have up to 2 delegates. We have not had any volunteers yet, so please contact us if you want to go!
Physics and Astronomy events near you
Quantum and Nanotechnology Undergraduate Day - at the IOP on 20 November, commencing at 10:00. For details click here.
"Understanding the atomic nucleus: Into the quantum realm" - a talk in Worcester on 20 November by Dr Jack Bishop, commencing at 19:30. For details click here.
"From X-ray Astronomy to Medical Imaging" - a talk at Keele University on 21 November by Dr Sarah Bugby, commencing at 19:00. For details click here.
More coming soon!
For a complete list of forthcoming IOP events in various locations around the UK, click here.
Reports of talks: If you attend a physics talk that you enjoy, how about writing it up for the Fusion newsletter? See the panel on the left for contact details.
Click here for a video of a talk by Dr Meganne Christian (UK & ESA astronaut) at a recent "Moon Night" event at the OU.
See our Facebook page for other events and news
If you are interested in any Fusion events, or wish to arrange an event, please contact Dwyn for further details and to book a place .
Newsletter: The latest Fusion newsletter (vol. 22 no. 2) has been distributed. The previous five issues of the newsletter are available here (click to download):
Summer 2020; Autumn 2021; Summer 2022; Summer 2023; Winter 2023-24.
As always, our Editor would welcome contributions from Fusion members. Click here to email the Editor.
Useful links:
Open University Astronomy Club
Institute of Physics
IOP University Student Committee
Open University School of Physical Sciences
Open University Students' Association
OUSA shop (for free availability of past exam papers)
Open University Space Society
Feynman Lectures
International Association of Physics Students (IAPS)
Susan J Fowler Blog
Learning How to Learn MOOC