2018/19 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue
BSc Natural Sciences
| Programme code: | BS-NAT/SC | UCAS code: | BCF1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: | 3 Years | Method of Attendance: | Full Time |
| Programme manager: | Dr Paul Beales | Contact address: | P.A.Beales@leeds.ac.uk |
Total credits: 360
Entry requirements:
A*AA at A-level including at least two science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics. Grade A at GCSE Maths if Maths is not offered at AS or A Level.
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:
Chemistry
Examination board through which the programme will be considered:
Modules assessed through the relevant teaching Schools.
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:
Programme specification:
The programme will:
- enable students to work across more than one discipline by providing the flexibility to study three disciplines chosen from a range of physical and biological sciences at level one, narrowing down to two disciplines by year three;
- allow the study of two science disciplines to the same depth as any integrated masters student but with less breadth in each discipline;
- provide a basis for further advanced study in either of the disciplines or in a cognate interdisciplinary area;
- provide a basis for the pursuit of a career in scientific research and development;
- permit students to gain practical scientific experience during the degree and through an optional year work placement;
- permit students to broaden their intellectual and cultural horizons through an optional year studying abroad;
- permit students to opt for a major/minor balance between subjects in years three and four;
- offer students the opportunity to gain a broad interdisciplinary scientific education in an institution with an excellent research and teaching environment.
Year1 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Students will take 40/45 credits in each of 3 science subject packages chosen from: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics and physics. However student may only choose one of environmental science or food science and nutrition. The choice is constricted by A-Level subjects and the university timetable.
In order to progress to year 2 of the honours programme, students must pass at least 100 credits.
Optional modules:
ALL PATHWAYS
Students who have not studied A-level maths must take the following module, which is graded as pass/fail:
| NATS1380 | Introductory Mathematics for Natural Scientists | 5 credits | Not running until 202021 |
BIOCHEMISTRY
Students taking biochemistry must take the following modules:
| BIOL1305 | Integrated Skills in Biosciences 1 | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| BMSC1216 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 10 credits | Not running until 202324 |
Students taking biochemistry without biology must also take:
| BIOL1112 | The Molecules of Life | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
BIOLOGY
Students taking biology will take the following modules:
| BLGY1104 | Research and Study Skills Level 1 - Joint Honours | 5 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| BLGY1124 | The Diversity of Life | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY1237 | Introduction to Genetics | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 |
Students taking biology with biochemistry must also take the following modules:
| BLGY1211 | Applied Biology and Agriculture | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOBS1135 | The Basis of Life | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Students taking biology without biochemistry must also take the following modules:
| BLGY1115 | Introduction to Cell Biology: from Molecules to Cells and Tissues | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY1238 | Exploring Whole Organism Biology in the Lab and Field | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
CHEMISTRY
Students taking chemistry must take the following modules:
| CHEM1101 | Chemistry 1: Bonding and Behaviour | 20 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| CHEM1405 | Practical Chemistry for Natural Scientists | 5 credits | Not running until 201920 |
Students will need to choose one of the following modules:
| CHEM1202 | Chemistry 2A: Energy and Structure | 15 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| CHEM1203 | Chemistry 2B: structure and transformation | 15 credits | Not running until 201920 |
Students taking physics as one of their other disciplines should take CHEM1203 to avoid overlap in module content with thermodynamics taught in PHYS1280.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Students taking environmental science must choose 40 credits of options from the following modules:
| SOEE1034 | Natural Hazards | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE1181 | Ecology | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| SOEE1281 | Atmosphere | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| SOEE1401 | Weather | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| SOEE1434 | Water | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| SOEE1561 | Earth | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 |
Students wishing to study SOEE2481 at Level 2 must choose SOE1281.
Students wishing to study SOEE3700 at Level 3 or SOEE5685M at Level 5 must choose SOEE1401.
Note that your options may be constrained due to the timetabling of your other two subject choices.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
Students taking food science and nutrition must take the following compulsory modules:
| FOOD1040 | Key Industrial Processing Operations for Food | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOOD1150 | Principles of Human Physiology and Nutrition | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
MATHEMATICS
Students taking maths must take the following compulsory modules:
| MATH1050 | Calculus and Mathematical Analysis | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH1055 | Numbers and Vectors | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH1060 | Introductory Linear Algebra | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH1400 | Modelling with Differential Equations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Students wishing to study maths at level 3 must choose the modules above.
Students studying physics may choose either the above option block or the option block below:
| PHYS1290 | Maths 1- Scalars and Vectors | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PHYS1300 | Maths 2- Multivariable Calculus | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Plus 20 credits from the modules below and/or discovery modules.
| CHEM1301 | Chemistry: The Interdisciplinary Science | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| PHYS1020 | Stars and Galaxies | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PHYS1040 | Planets and the Search for Life | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHYS1311 | Introduction to Nanotechnology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
PHYSICS
Students taking physics must take the following compulsory modules:
| PHYS1261 | Laboratory 1a (Joint Honours) | 5 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHYS1270 | Quantum Mechanics and Electricity (Joint Honours) | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PHYS1280 | Vibrations and Thermal Physics (Joint Honours) | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Mathematics is a co-requisite subject with physics, so students studying physics must also choose mathematics.
Please note that discovery modules are only available to students choosing both maths and physics.
Discovery modules:
Please note that Discovery modules are only available for students choosing both Maths and Physics.
Year2 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Students will be required to study a minimum of 100 credits in two science subjects chosen from the following: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics and physics depending on which subjects were chosen in year 1.
You should take into consideration what modules you intend to take in years 3 and 4 when making your choices for year 2. We would encourage you to take at least 60 credits in the subject you intend to take your major research project in at year 4.
In order to progress to year 3 of the honours programme, students must pass at least 100 level 2 credits. Students averaging less than 60% in their year 2 modules will only progress to year 3 of the MNatSc programme at the discretions of the Progression and Classification Board. Students failing to progress to year 3 of the MNatSc will be transferred to the BSc programme.
Compulsory modules:
All students will take the following compulsory module:
| NATS2300 | Interdisciplinary Skills for Natural Scientists | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 |
Optional modules:
ALL PATHWAYS
The following module is compulsory for students who did not study Mathematics as one of their three core disciplines in year 1:
| NATS2380 | Mathematical Skills for Natural Scientists | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 |
The following module is compulsory for students studying environmental science, maths or physics as one of their two core disciplines. This is also an optional module for all other students on the programme:
| NATS2100 | Introduction to Scientific Programming | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 |
BIOCHEMISTRY
Students taking biochemistry will study the following modules:
| BIOL2210 | Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BIOL2305 | Integrated Skills for Biosciences 2 | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Students will study one of the following modules:
| BIOL2113 | Introduction to Omics Biology | 10 credits | Not running until 202324 | |
| BIOL2114 | Omics and Big Data Biology | 20 credits | Not running until 202324 |
Students studying 50 or more credits, who do not take BIOL2114, must take at least one of the following modules:
| BIOL2211 | Human Diseases | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR2120 | Cell Biology of Disease | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Students who do take BIOL2114 can take one or both of the above modules.
Students may also take up to 20 credits of the following options:
| BIOL2212 | Chemotherapy | 10 credits | Not running until 202324 | |
| BLGY2106 | Parasitology | 10 credits | Not running until 202324 | |
| MICR2121 | Molecular Virology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MICR2220 | Medical Bacteriology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR2221 | Medical Immunology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR2222 | Medical Virology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
BIOLOGY
Students taking biology are required to study at least 40 credits from the following optional modules:
| BLGY2106 | Parasitology | 10 credits | Not running until 202324 | |
| BLGY2146 | Animal Physiology | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| BLGY2155 | Population, Community and Conservation Ecology | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| BLGY2164 | How Plants Live | 20 credits | Not running until 202324 | |
| BLGY2175 | Human Populations | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2201 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2220 | Behavioural Ecology | credits | ||
| BLGY2225 | Sustainable Food Production | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2296 | Human Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2304 | Research and Study Skills Level 2 | 20 credits | Not running until 202324 |
Please note that BLGY2304 is a corequisite for BLGY2155 and BLGY2220.
Students taking more than 40 credits of Biology may also take the following module:
| BLGY2265 | Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 |
Students taking BLGY2265 Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course are required to also take BLGY2155 Population, Community and Conservation Ecology and BLGY2304 Research and Study Skills.
It is recommended that you choose one of the following module packages:
- BLGY2164, BLGY2296, BLGY2220, BLGY2146
- BLGY2155, BLGY2220
CHEMISTRY
Students taking chemistry must take a minimum of 40 credits in this subject.
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules:
| CHEM2191 | Structure and Spectroscopy | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2420 | Laboratory Work 2b | 10 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
CHEM1405 is a prerequisite for CHEM2420.
Students should choose at least one module from:
| CHEM2121 | Organic Chemistry: Conformation, Configuration & Reactivity | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2131 | Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2221 | Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Pericyclic, Heterocyclic and Bioorganic Chemistry | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2231 | Quantum Mechanics and Bonding | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 |
CHEM2121 is a co-requisite for CHEM2221.
Plus 0-30 credits from the choice below:
| CHEM2111 | Structure and Synthesis of Materials | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM2211 | Organometallic Compounds and their Applications | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2215 | Introduction to Drug Design | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM2292 | Analytical and Applied Chemistry | 10 credits | Not running until 202324 |
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Students must study a minimum of 40 credits of Environmental Science. However, students required to take NATS2380 may include this module as part of their Environmental Science credit requirements.
Students will study the following module:
| SOEE2800 | Environmental Measurements | 20 credits | Not running until 202021 |
Plus 10-40 credits from the choices below:
| SOEE2092 | Meteorology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2110 | Introductory Oceanography | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2160 | Climate Change: Science and Impacts | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2205 | Contaminated Environments | 20 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| SOEE2210 | Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2481 | Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2690 | Managing Biodiversity | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Students may also take the following optional module:
| SOEE2650 | GIS for Geoscientists | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Students wishing to study SOEE2210 or SOEE2092 or SOEE2630 are required to have a mathematical background equivalent to A-level Pure Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Students wishing to study SOEE2205 or SOEE2481 must have A-Level Chemistry or equivalent.
Students wishing to study SOEE3431 or SOEE3700 at Level 3 or SOEE5685M at Level 5 must choose SOEE2481.
Students wishing to study SOEE3151 at Level 3 must choose both SOEE2092 and SOEE2110.
Students wishing to study SOEE3610 at Level 3 or SOEE5617M at Level 5 must choose SOEE2110.
FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
Students taking food science and nutrition will study the following module:
| FOOD2135 | Microbiological and Chemical Food Safety | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Students must choose 20 to 40 credits from any of the following optional modules:
The modules are categorised as follows to help you with your choice but you can choose a mix from any category:
- Food Science and Nutrition focused: FOOD2032, FOOD2140.
- Food Science focused: FOOD2046, FOOD2100, FOOD2192, FOOD2196.
- Nutrition focused: FOOD2151, FOOD2160, FOOD2165, FOOD2201, FOOD2260, FOOD2700.
| FOOD2032 | Biochemistry Controlling Nutrients and Sensory Properties | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| FOOD2046 | Food Processing: From Farm to Shop | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| FOOD2100 | Food Colloids: Formulation of Creamy, Fatty and Bubbly Foods | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| FOOD2140 | Food Analysis | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| FOOD2151 | Food Allergy and Food Intolerance | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| FOOD2160 | Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| FOOD2165 | Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOOD2192 | Introduction to Food Product Development | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| FOOD2196 | Food Quality Assurance | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOOD2201 | Nutritional Issues in the Life Cycle | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| FOOD2215 | Principles of Research: Diet in Populations | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| FOOD2260 | Physiology II - Integration Between Physiology and Nutrition | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOOD2700 | Energy Metabolism and Cardiometabolic Diseases | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 |
Students may only choose FOOD2160 or FOOD2165, both cannot be taken.
MATHEMATICS
Students taking mathematics are required to study the following compulsory modules:
| MATH2080 | Further Linear Algebra | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2365 | Vector Calculus | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Students taking 60 credits of Mathematics must also take at least one of:
| MATH2375 | Linear Differential Equations and Transforms | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2700 | Probability and Statistics for Scientists | 15 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Students must take a minimum of 40 credits of mathematics and may also choose from the following optional modules:
| MATH2017 | Real Analysis | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2041 | Logic | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| MATH2042 | Logic with Computation | 15 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| MATH2051 | Geometry of Curves and Surfaces | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2230 | Discrete Mathematics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2231 | Discrete Mathematics with Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2391 | Nonlinear Differential Equations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2600 | Numerical Analysis | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2601 | Numerical Analysis with Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2625 | Fluid Dynamics | 15 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| MATH2640 | Introduction to Optimisation | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2650 | Calculus of Variations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2800 | Mathematics into Schools | 10 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Please note that some level 2 Maths modules may be inactive for 2023/24; see the online catalogue for further details.
In order to enrol for MATH2800 (Mathematics into Schools), you must contact the School of Mathematics by a specific deadline (check the Module Catalogue for more information). Students taking MATH2800 must take this in addition to 40 credits of maths modules. The module is mutually exclusive with CHEM3437 (Literature-Based Project Work), CHEM3666 (Chemistry into Schools) and PHYS3605 (Physics in Schools).
PHYSICS
Students taking physics are required to study the following compulsory module:
| PHYS2003 | Experimental Physics (For NatSci & Joint Honours) | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 |
Students must study one of the following semester 1 modules:
| PHYS2300 | Physics 3- Fields and Energy | 25 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PHYS2350 | Electromagnetism (Joint Honours) | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Students must study one of the following semester 2 modules:
| PHYS2311 | Physics 4- Quantum Phenomena | 25 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| PHYS2360 | Quantum Mechanics (Joint Honours) | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Note that PHYS2350 and PHYS2360 are shortened versions of PHYS2300 and PHYS2311 respectively.
If mathematics is not chosen as the second subject alongside physics, the following module must be taken:
| PHYS2370 | Maths 3- Matrices and Operators | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Students not taking mathematics may also take the following module:
| PHYS2380 | Maths 4- Transforms and Partial Differential Equations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Discovery modules:
All students can study up to 20 credits of discovery modules. You may use some of these credits in the two main subjects from the previous option blocks.
If you are thinking of taking discovery modules at level 1, note that 100 credits at level 2 must be passed to progress to year 3 of the honours programme.
Students taking chemistry may use their Discovery credits to take one of:
CHEM2200 Science and Society: The Critical Interface, 10 credits, Semester 2
CHEM2600 Chemistry: Idea to Market, 10 credits, Semester 1
Students may wish to consider discovery modules offered in History and Philosophy of Science:
HPSC2150 History of Science in 10 Objects, 20 credits, Semester 1 - suitable for any pathway combinations
HPSC2400 History of Psychiatry and Mental Illness, 20 credits, Semester 1 - most suitable for students taking biology/biochemistry
PHIL2611 How Biology Works, 10 credits, Semester 2 [Pre-requisites: A-Level Biology or equivalent] - most suitable for students taking biology/biochemistry/food and nutrition/climate.
Year3 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Optional modules:
Students may choose to have a major/minor balance of 80/40 credits between their two main subjects in year 3, or retain an equal balance of 60 credits between two subjects (or any combination between these extremes). You should take into consideration what modules you intend to take in year 4 when making your choices for year 3 to ensure that you achieve the necessary prerequisites.
All MNatSc students must study exactly one of the following practical or research modules in year 3: BIOL3397, BLGY3021, CHEM3720, SOEE3791, FOOD3140, MATH3001, PHYS3004.
Students may only take a maximum of one of the following skills modules:
CHEM3437, CHEM3611, CHEM3621, CHEM3666, FOOD3140, MATH2800, PHYS3605.
No more than 20 credits of level 2 modules may be taken overall in year 3. However, If only 40 credits are chosen in one subject these modules should all be at level 3.
Exceptionally, students will be permitted to register for at most 125 credits given the credit weightings of some modules in mathematics and physics.
Progression into year 4 of the MNatSc programme is dependent on passing at least 100 level 3 credits and achieving an average of 60% or higher. Exceptions to this will only be at the discretion of the Progression and Classification Board. Students failing to progress to year 4 of the MNatSc will be transferred to the BSc programme.
ALL PATHWAYS
All students with the appropriate prerequisites may take the following module:
| NATS3200 | Machine learning approaches to scientific data analysis | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 |
BIOCHEMISTRY
Students taking biochemistry are required to study a minimum of 40 credits from the following three blocks of mutually exclusive pairs of modules:
A maximum of 20 credits from:
| BIOC3111 | Advanced Topics in Biochemistry I | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BIOL3112 | Advanced Topics for Biological Sciences 1 | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
A maximum of 20 credits from:
| BIOC3221 | Advanced Topics in Biochemistry 2 | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BIOL3210 | Advanced Topics for Biological Sciences 2 | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
A maximum of 20 credits from:
| BIOC3231 | Advanced Topics in Biochemistry 3 | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BIOL3211 | Advanced Topics for Biological Sciences 3 | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Students studying more than 60 credits of biochemistry must also take the following research project module:
| BIOL3397 | Biotechnology Research Project | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Students studying 60 credits of biochemistry may only take the above research module if not taking a project module in their other subject.
BIOLOGY
Students will be required to study at least 40 credits from the following optional modules:
| BLGY3109 | Applied Genetics | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| BLGY3122 | Social Insect Biology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3133 | Advanced Topics in Ecology | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3135 | Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3152 | Advanced Topics in Human Genetics | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3173 | Plant Growth, Resources and Food Security | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3224 | Advanced Topics in Animal Science | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| BLGY3245 | Advanced Topics in Evolution | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3246 | Evolution and Population Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3247 | Advanced Topics in Conservation Science | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3255 | Plant Development: Making a plant in theory and practice | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 |
Students studying more than 60 credits of biology must also take the following research project module:
| BLGY3021 | Research Project | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Students studying 60 credits of biology may only take the above research module if not taking a project module in their other subject.
CHEMISTRY
Students will be required to study 40-80 credits of chemistry modules, including at most 20 credits of level 2 modules overall in the year.
This must include a minimum of 30 credits of theory modules, with a minimum of 20 credits of theory at level 3:
| CHEM2111 | Structure and Synthesis of Materials | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM2121 | Organic Chemistry: Conformation, Configuration & Reactivity | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2131 | Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2211 | Organometallic Compounds and their Applications | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2215 | Introduction to Drug Design | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM2221 | Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Pericyclic, Heterocyclic and Bioorganic Chemistry | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2231 | Quantum Mechanics and Bonding | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| CHEM2292 | Analytical and Applied Chemistry | 10 credits | Not running until 202324 | |
| CHEM3126 | Strategy, Methods and Reaction Technology for Organic Synthesis | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| CHEM3136 | Energy, Molecules and Chemical Change | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| CHEM3146 | Medicinal Chemistry | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| CHEM3185 | Atmospheric Chemistry | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3211 | Properties and Applications of Materials | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3216 | Advanced Organometallics and Catalysis | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| CHEM3226 | Process chemistry and reactive intermediates in synthesis | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| CHEM3281 | Topics in Fundamental and Theoretical Chemistry (10cr) | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| CHEM3282 | Topics in Fundamental and Theoretical Chemistry (20cr) | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| CHEM3283 | Topics in Fundamental Chemistry | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| CHEM3291 | Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (10cr) | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| CHEM3292 | Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (20cr) | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 |
CHEM2121 is a co-requisite for CHEM2221.
Students cannot take both PHYS3441 and CHEM3136.
-Students may only take one of the following three modules as they are different variants of selecting from the same group of topics: CHEM3281, CHEM3282, CHEM3283.
-Students may only take one of the following two modules as they are different variants of selecting from the same group of topics: CHEM3291, CHEM3292.
Students taking more than 60 credits of chemistry or planning to take their final year project in chemistry must take:
| CHEM3720 | Laboratory Work 2M | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Students taking 50 or more credits of chemistry may select one of the following modules:
| CHEM3437 | Literature-based Project Work | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3621 | Ethical Issues in Chemistry | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3666 | Chemistry into Schools | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Students taking Environmental Science are required to study 40-80 credits from the following modules.
No more than 20 credits of Level 2 modules may be taken in year 3. Students studying 60 or more credits of Environmental Science are required to take SOEE3791, unless taking a practical/project module in their other subject.
| SOEE2092 | Meteorology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2110 | Introductory Oceanography | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2160 | Climate Change: Science and Impacts | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2205 | Contaminated Environments | 20 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| SOEE2210 | Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2481 | Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2650 | GIS for Geoscientists | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE2690 | Managing Biodiversity | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3110 | Earth System Science: Biogeochemical Cycles | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3151 | Dynamics of Weather Systems | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3190 | Earth Observations from Space | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3250 | Inverse Theory | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3282 | Groundwater | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| SOEE3410 | Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3431 | Atmospheric Pollution: Causes, Impact and Regulation | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3515 | Ice in the Earth System | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3535 | Atmospheric Physics | 10 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| SOEE3610 | Oceanography in the Earth System | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3700 | Practical Weather Forecasting | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3760 | Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3791 | Observing weather and climate: advanced field skills | 20 credits | Not running until 202324 |
Students opting to study SOEE3190 or SOEE3515 must have A-Level Mathematics or A-Level Physics, or equivalent.
Students choosing SOEE3410, SOEE3431 or SOEE3700 will not be allowed to study SOEE5685M at Level 5.
Students choosing SOEE3515 will not be allowed to study SOEE5515M at Level 5.
Students choosing SOEE3610 will not be allowed to study SOEE5617M at Level 5.
Students choosing SOEE3110 will not be allowed to study SOEE5232M at Level 5.
Students choosing SOEE3791 will not be allowed to study SOEE5096M at Level 5.
Students taking more than 50 credits of Environmental Science may also choose the following optional module:
| SOEE3630 | Strategic Energy Issues | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION:
Students taking food science and nutrition will be required to study 40-80 credits from the following modules):
The modules are categorised as follows to help you with your choice but you can choose a mix from any category:
- Food Science and Nutrition focused: FOOD3132, FOOD3140**, FOOD3330.
- Food Science focused: FOOD3010#, FOOD3011, FOOD3031##, FOOD3041##, FOOD3100.
- Nutrition focused: FOOD3071, FOOD3340, FOOD3381, FOOD3391.
| FOOD3010 | Food Processing: from Farm to Shop | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| FOOD3011 | Innovation and Design Principles for Foods | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| FOOD3031 | Functionality and Interactions of Components in Food Products | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| FOOD3041 | How Ingredients Interact in Foods | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOOD3071 | Diet and Cardiovascular Health | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOOD3100 | Biotechnology: Traditional and Leading Edge | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOOD3132 | Food Science and Nutrition Research: Recent Revelations and Disputes | 10 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| FOOD3140 | Critical Appraisal of Scientific Literature | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| FOOD3330 | Functional Foods | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| FOOD3340 | Food and Cancer | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| FOOD3381 | Nutrition Policy and Public Health | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| FOOD3391 | Obesity and Personalised Nutrition in the 21st Century | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
#Students who have taken FOOD2046 cannot take FOOD3010.
##Students may only choose FOOD3031 or FOOD3041, both cannot be taken.
**FOOD3140 is compulsory for MNatSc students doing 60 credits or more in Food.
For students taking more than 60 credits in Food the following option is also available:
| FOOD3371 | Food Product Development - Team Project | 30 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
MATHEMATICS
Students taking mathematics will be required to study 40-80 credits from the following optional modules. No more than 20 credits of level 2 modules may be taken in year 3 overall.
| MATH2017 | Real Analysis | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2041 | Logic | 10 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| MATH2042 | Logic with Computation | 15 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| MATH2051 | Geometry of Curves and Surfaces | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2230 | Discrete Mathematics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2231 | Discrete Mathematics with Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2375 | Linear Differential Equations and Transforms | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2391 | Nonlinear Differential Equations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2600 | Numerical Analysis | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2601 | Numerical Analysis with Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2625 | Fluid Dynamics | 15 credits | Not running until 202122 | |
| MATH2640 | Introduction to Optimisation | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2650 | Calculus of Variations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2715 | Statistical Methods | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2750 | Introduction to Markov Processes | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2775 | Survival Analysis | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2800 | Mathematics into Schools | 10 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MATH3001 | Project in Mathematics | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MATH3017 | Calculus in the Complex Plane | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3033 | Graph Theory | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3104 | Proof and Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3113 | Differential Geometry | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3120 | Models and Sets | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3143 | Combinatorics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3355 | Hamiltonian Systems | 15 credits | Not running in 201819 | |
| MATH3365 | Mathematical Methods | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3385 | Quantum Mechanics | 15 credits | Not running in 201819 | |
| MATH3397 | Nonlinear Dynamics | 15 credits | Not running in 201819 | |
| MATH3414 | Analytic Solutions of Partial Differential Equations | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3424 | Introduction to Entropy in the Physical World | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3458 | Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3459 | Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics | 15 credits | Not running in 201819 | |
| MATH3476 | Numerical Methods | 15 credits | Not running until 201920 | |
| MATH3565 | Mathematical Biology | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3567 | Evolutionary Modelling | 15 credits | Not running in 201819 | |
| MATH3620 | Fluid Dynamics 2 | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Please note that some level 2 Maths modules may be inactive for 2023/24 and some level 3 Maths modules are only offered in alternate years; see the online catalogue for further details.
In order to enrol for MATH2800 (Mathematics into Schools), you must contact the School of Mathematics by a specific deadline (check the Module Catalogue for more information). Students taking MATH2800 must take this in addition to 40 credits of maths modules. The module is mutually exclusive with CHEM3437 (Literature-Based Project Work), CHEM3666 (Chemistry into Schools) and PHYS3605 (Physics in Schools).
Students may take at most 20 credits of 'M' level mathematics modules at level 3. If you are interested in this option please see the Programme Manager. If you decide to enrol on 'M' level modules in level 3 you will need to contact the Chemistry Taught Student Office to enrol on the modules concerned as these modules will not appear in the level 3 options list. It must be noted that there is no advantage to be gained in terms of year averages from doing this. All students must study at least 120 credits of 'M' level modules in years 3 and 4 combined for the award of MNatSc.
Students wishing to take advanced statistics modules must take MATH2715 in semester 1. The following semester 2 statistics modules will then be available in semester 2 (further advanced statistics modules are available at level 5):
| MATH3723 | Statistical Theory | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3823 | Generalised Linear Models | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3860 | Introduction to Clinical Trials | 15 credits | Not running until 202122 |
The following modules have a high mathematical content and may be taken to count towards your credits in maths:
| PHYS3011 | Cosmology | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHYS3190 | Molecular Simulation: Theory and Practice | 15 credits | Not running in 201819 | |
| SOEE3151 | Dynamics of Weather Systems | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3250 | Inverse Theory | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
PHYS3011 is a near equivalent to MATH3532 Relativity and Cosmology.
SOEE3151 is suitable for students with an interest or background in meteorology.
SOEE3250 has links to applied mathematics and statistics.
PHYSICS
Students taking physics will be required to study at least 40 credits from the following optional modules:
| PHYS3011 | Cosmology | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHYS3190 | Molecular Simulation: Theory and Practice | 15 credits | Not running in 201819 | |
| PHYS3281 | Star and Planet Formation | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PHYS3383 | Advanced Quantum Physics | 15 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| PHYS3390 | Quantum Photonics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHYS3394 | Quantum Matter | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PHYS3422 | Magnetism in Condensed Matter | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHYS3441 | Statistical Mechanics | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PHYS3511 | Advanced Mechanics | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PHYS3523 | Bionanophysics | 15 credits | Not running until 202021 | |
| PHYS3543 | Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHYS3605 | Physics in Schools | 15 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| PHYS3610 | Group Innovation Project | 20 credits | Not running until 202324 |
Students cannot take both PHYS3441 and CHEM3136.
PHYS3605 Physics in Schools (15 credits) is available in consultation with Physics and subject to satisfactory DBS disclosure. This module is not available to students taking less than 50 credits of physics or to students taking CHEM3615, PHYS3610, or who have taken MATH2800.
PHYS3394 and PHYS3422 are only available to students who took PHYS2311 as essential condensed matter concepts for these modules are not covered in the shorter PHYS2360 variant.
Students studying 60 or more credits of physics will be required to study the following module, unless taking a practical/project module in their other subject:
| PHYS3004 | Advanced Techniques in Physics (Joint Honours) | 20 credits | Not running until 202122 |
Discovery modules:
All students can study up to 20 credits of discovery modules. You may use some of these credits in the two main subjects from the previous option blocks.
Students may use their Discovery module credits to take:
NATS2100 Introduction to Scientific Programming, 10 credits, Semester 1
Students not taking Physics as one of their two main subjects can apply to take the following module as part of their Discovery credits:
PHYS3610 Group Innovation Project, 20 credits, Semester 1&2
Students may wish to consider discovery modules offered in History and Philosophy of Science:
HPSC3200 Science Communication: History & Theory, 20 credits, Semester 1 - suitable for any pathway combinations
HPSC3315 History of the Body, 20 credits, Semester 2 - most suitable for students taking biology/biochemistry/food and nutrition
HPSC3450 Mind, Brain & Society, 20 credits, Semester 2 - most suitable for students taking biology/biochemistry
PHIL3851 Introduction to Philosophy of Modern Physics, 10 credits, Semester 1 [Pre-requisites: EITHER: 20 credits of level 2 Physics (or equivalent) OR: A level Physics (or equivalent) together with 20 credits in level 2 HPS OR level 2 Logic & Language OR Theoretical Core Philosophy modules. Students who don't have A-level physics (or equivalent) may be allowed to enrol after discussion with the module leader.] - most suitable for students taking physics/mathematics
Students may take up to 20 credits of Discovery modules.
Last updated: 17/12/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD