Natural Sciences

You’ll initially study three subjects, from a choice of biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics, and physics, specialising in two of these in either year 2 or 3.

Your second year is very flexible. You can either study two subjects with equal weightings, study two subjects with a major/minor split, or study three subjects. Your third subject will be your minor subject and can be either a science carried over from first year or a discovery module, such as a language or business course.

In your third year, you’ll study two sciences. You can choose to study the two subjects equally or as a major/minor split. You can also undertake discovery modules in your second and third year.

In the fourth year, you’ll study two sciences and undertake a major research project, which you’ll undertake in our research laboratories. The project can be based solely in one scientific area or you could do an interdisciplinary project, building on your knowledge of two sciences.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Studying in a Digital Age (Chemistry) 5 credits

Optional modules

• The Molecules of Life 10 credits
• Integrated Skills in Biosciences 1 20 credits
• Tutorials (Joint Honours) 5 credits
• Introduction to Cell Biology: from Molecules to Cells and Tissues 10 credits
• The Diversity of Life 10 credits
• Applied Biology and Agriculture 10 credits
• Introduction to Genetics 10 credits
• Practical Genetics 10 credits
• Introduction to Pharmacology 10 credits
• Introduction to Modern Chemistry 20 credits
• Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry 10 credits
• Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry 10 credits
• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry 10 credits
• Practical Skills in Chemistry for Joint Honours 1 10 credits
• Practical Skills in Chemistry for Joint Honours 2 10 credits
• The Basis of Life 20 credits
• Key Industrial Processing Operations for Food 20 credits
• Principles of Human Physiology and Nutrition 20 credits
• Calculus and Mathematical Analysis 10 credits
• Numbers and Vectors 10 credits
• Introductory Linear Algebra 10 credits
• Modelling with Differential Equations 10 credits
• Laboratory 1a (Joint Honours) 5 credits
• Quantum Mechanics and Electricity (Joint Honours) 15 credits
• Vibrations and Thermal Physics (Joint Honours) 20 credits
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