Natural Sciences-MSci

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than four, which give you a good progression into your second-year subjects. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from 'Group 1' which are the subjects listed above. Other subjects are available to study but these could not be taken through to Year 4, see the BSc Course content. Students who intend to specialise in a single science subject in their final year, such as Earth Sciences, will typically need to take three or four core modules from that subject.

• Biology and Chemistry must do four core modules, which leaves them free to choose any two optional modules
• Mathematics and Physics must do five core modules with an extra module chosen from two that are available.

MSci Natural Sciences students often take two modules from three subjects although other combinations are possible, but this combination would normally allow progression with any or all three of these subjects. The design of the programme is constrained by the limits of the University’s academic timetable and entry requirements, such as ensuring sufficient background knowledge for progression into a year four subject.

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than three, which gives you reasonable progression into your third-year subjects. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group 1.

• Mathematics and Physics must do the five core modules leaving them free to choose one module from the Mathematics List
• Biology and Chemistry must do six core modules.

Students who are following the MSci in Natural Sciences where they will specialise in a single science subject in their final year, such as Earth Sciences, typically:

• Need to take three or four core modules
• Have considerable freedom which is only limited by progression and the timetable
• Build on one or two subjects studied in the first year
• Have the option of starting a new subject by taking some first-year modules.

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than three. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group 1. You may also take second-year modules.

• Chemistry and Physics must do the six core modules
• Chemistry and Mathematics must do five core modules and one module from the Mathematics List.

Students not taking the Joint Honours have considerable freedom; they are able to combine advanced modules in subjects already studied.

Typically, you would combine one or two subjects which must include either a double or triple project module.

In addition to the project module, students take a selection of taught modules. Module availability can change, but taught modules available to current students following the MSci Joint Honours degrees are:

• Biology and Chemistry: Bioactive Chemistry 4; Biomolecular Analysis
• Biology and Physics: Atomic and Optical Physics; Biological Imaging; Theoretical Physics 4
• Chemistry and Mathematics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Modules from the Level 4 Mathematics List
• Chemistry and Physics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Atomic and Optical Physics; Theoretical Physics 4;
• Mathematics and Physics: Modules chosen from the Level 4 Mathematics and Physics lists.

Students taking the MSci in Natural Sciences have continued freedom where the main subjects studied will be listed on the degree certificate. Typically:

• They combine advanced modules in subjects already studied
• They can specialise in or combine: Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Mathematics; Physics.

Please note that Biology can only be studied in Year 4 as part of a Joint Honours degree.