The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme from September 2024. For students who entered the programme before September 2024, you can find the details of your programme:
BSc Natural Sciences
Studying Natural Sciences gives you the opportunity to branch out across scientific disciplines, learning the fundamental concepts of each, whilst tailoring the course to the areas that interest you the most.
In recent years, the demand for scientists to tackle a variety of complex problems by bringing together the ideas of different disciplines has grown significantly. Often, the challenges we face globally in areas such as sustainability, energy, material resources, and advancements in medicine need an interdisciplinary approach in order to gain a deeper understanding from multiple angles and ultimately provide solutions for the future.
You’ll be taught by expert academics, with the unique opportunity to get involved in active, real-world research happening across the university.
In your first year, you will initially study three subjects from a choice of biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics, and physics. You will study at least 30 credits of each of your three subjects, enabling you to work across more than one science discipline.
You will take a 20 credit core module for all Natural Sciences students which will cover key practical skills in an interdisciplinary context. This module will establish the interdisciplinary ethos behind your degree programme whilst also developing your experience of experimental design and proficiency in the presentation and analysis of scientific data to prepare you for further study and research throughout your university education and beyond.
Your development as a Natural Sciences student will be supported by a 10 credit maths module, which will complement your core modules and develop mathematical skills central to modern science.
In your second year, you will specialise in two of three subjects taken in your first year. You will take a minimum of 40 credits in each subject, with an additional 20 credits available for you to choose from a wide range of options. This enables you to either study your two subjects with equal weightings or to study two subjects with a major/minor split.
A 20 credit core module for all Natural Sciences students will further your development as an interdisciplinary scientist, advancing your skills in research, scientific writing, scientific and professional ethics, personal development, planning, and scientific programming.
In your third year, you will continue to study the two subjects you have chosen to focus on in your second year. You will take at least 40 credits of each of your two subjects from a wide range of options available to suit your interests. You may choose to study your two subjects equally, or as a major/minor split. Your training as an interdisciplinary scientist will be supported through a 20 credit module taken by all Natural Sciences students. This module will develop your digital, research, and communication skills.
To advance your skill set and boost your experience, you can also apply to take an industrial placement or study abroad at one of the many universities we’re in partnership with worldwide between years 2 and 3.
(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Students will take a minimum of 30 credits in each of three science subjects chosen from: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics and physics. However, students may only choose one of environmental science or food science and nutrition. The choice is constricted by A level subjects (or equivalent). Students should try and ensure where possible that they have an even split of credits between semesters. All Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATS1405 | Practical Skills for Natural Scientists | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Candidates taking Biochemistry will be required to study the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOC1203 | Genes to Proteins | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BIOL1112 | The Molecules of Life | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Candidates taking Biology will be required to study the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY1124 | The Diversity of Life | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY1237 | Introduction to Genetics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY1238 | Exploring Whole Organism Biology in the Lab and Field | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates taking Chemistry will be required to study the following module:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM1302 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Candidates taking Chemistry will also be required to choose one of the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM1204 | Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Biology & Synthesis | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM1205 | Chemistry of the Material World | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates taking Environmental Science will be required to study 10 credits from the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE1420 | Resources | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE1434 | Water | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE1561 | Earth | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Candidates taking Environmental Science will also be required to study 20 credits from the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE1181 | Ecology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE1281 | Atmosphere | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE1401 | Weather | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates taking Food Science and Nutrition will be required to study the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOOD1041 | Food Safety and Preservation | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOOD1051 | Introduction to Human Nutrition | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Candidates taking Mathematics will be required to study the following module:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH1000 | Core Mathematics | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Candidates taking Physics will be required to take Mathematics as one of their three subjects and to study the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHAS1810 | Core Physics 1 (JH) Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Solid State Physics | 30 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Candidates not taking Mathematics as one of their three subjects will be required to study one of the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATS1180 | Mathematics for Scientists | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| NATS1185 | Further Mathematics for Scientists | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
NATS1180- Required for students who do not have a grade B in A level Mathematics, or equivalent, or who have a grade less than B.
NATS1185 - Required for students who have a grade B or above in A level Mathematics, or equivalent.
(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
We are currently refreshing our courses to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full module details for years 2 and 3 are not yet available. Before you enter years 2 and 3 details of modules for those years will be provided.
Candidates taking more than 40 credits of Biochemistry may also choose up to 20 credits from the following modules:
- Introduction to Drug Design - 10 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL2212 | Chemotherapy | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR2120 | Cell Biology of Disease | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MICR2221 | Medical Immunology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates taking Biology will be required to study at least 40 credits from the following modules:
- Skills in Experimental Design and Analysis - 20 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY2106 | Parasitology | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2146 | Animal Physiology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2155 | Population, Community and Conservation Ecology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2164 | How Plants Live | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2175 | Human Populations | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2201 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2220 | Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2225 | Sustainable Food Production | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2265 | Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2296 | Human Genetics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates taking the Organic and Biological Chemistry pathway and taking more than 40 credits of Chemistry may also choose up to 20 credits from the following modules:
- Introduction to Drug Design - 10 credits
- Chemistry of Materials: What they are and how we know - 10 credits
- Organometallics: From bonding to catalysis - 10 credits
- Specialisms in Chemical Science - 10 credits
- Molecules, Energy, Quanta and Change - 20 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM2131 | Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
*Students may only choose one of CHEM2131 or CHEM2331.
CHEM2112, CHEM2212, CHEM2293, CHEM2131, or CHEM2331 should only be taken after discussion with the programme team or your personal tutor.
Candidates taking the Inorganic and Materials Chemistry pathway and taking more than 40 credits of Chemistry may also choose up to 20 credits from the following modules:
- Molecules, Energy, Quanta and Change - 20 credits
- Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life - 20 credits
- Specialisms in Chemical Science - 10 credits
- Introduction to Drug Design - 10 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM2131 | Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
*Students may only choose one of CHEM2131 or CHEM2331.
CHEM2321, CHEM2293, or CHEM2242 should only be taken after discussion with the programme team or your personal tutor.
Candidates taking Environmental Science will be required to study the following module:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE2800 | Environmental Measurements | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Candidates taking Environmental Science will also be required to study at least 20 credits from the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE2092 | Meteorology | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2110 | Introductory Oceanography | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2145 | Palaeoecology, Palaeobiology and Evolution | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2160 | Climate Change: Science and Impacts | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2205 | Contaminated Environments | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2210 | Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2481 | Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2650 | GIS for Geoscientists | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2690 | Managing Biodiversity | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
We are currently refreshing our courses to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full module details for year 3 are not yet available. Before you enter year 3 full details of modules for that year will be provided.
Candidates taking Biochemistry will be required to study at least 40 credits from the following modules:
- Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology - 20 credits
- Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Structural Biology - 20 credits
- Advanced Skills in Biochemistry - 20 credits
- Advanced Topics in Microbiology 2 - 20 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL3215 | Cancer Biology | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates taking Biology will be required to study at least 40 credits from the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3109 | Applied Genetics | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3133 | Advanced Topics in Ecology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3135 | Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3153 | Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3173 | Plant Growth, Resources and Food Security | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3224 | Advanced Topics in Animal Science | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3245 | Advanced Topics in Evolution | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3247 | Advanced Topics in Conservation Science | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3255 | Plant Development: Making a plant in theory and practice | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates taking more than 40 credits of Biology may also choose up to 20 credits from the following modules:
- Animal Societies - 10 credits
- Animal Development - 10 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3246 | Evolution and Population Genetics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3300 | Level 3 Field Course (South Africa) | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates taking Environmental Science will be required to study at least 40 credits from the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE3110 | Earth System Science: Biogeochemical Cycles | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3151 | Dynamics of Weather Systems | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3190 | Earth Observations from Space | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3250 | Inverse Theory | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3282 | Groundwater | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3410 | Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3431 | Atmospheric Pollution: Causes, Impact and Regulation | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3515 | Ice in the Earth System | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3535 | Atmospheric Physics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3610 | Oceanography in the Earth System | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3701 | Modelling Extreme Weather Events | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3760 | Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3791 | Observing weather and climate: advanced field skills | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Last updated: 07/05/2024 16:39:36
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