The Open University of Great Britain, using a multimedia, mass media approach offers instruction leading to a university degree. Its Faculty of Science provides instruction in the disciplines of biology, physics, chemistry, and earth science. The philosophy of instruction is anti-specialization, pro-integration; the social impact of science and technology and the social responsibilities of scientists are emphasized. Very soon, 7,000 students will begin the first undergraduate science course to be given, studying in their own homes. They will receive correspondence packages, containing basic course materials; they will have part-time class tutors available to them; they will have access to study centres where they can meet counselors and where they can use the audiovisual facilities--television, radio, film projectors, tape players, record players, and computer terminals. Another learning resource available to students is summer school. Kits for science experiments are sent to the students by mail. Higher-level courses are being planned; for these, laboratory work will be essential, and arrangements for it will probably be made with conventional universities. Applicants to the Open University have had a modal age of 27 years. (MF)