MNatSc, BSc Natural Sciences(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Year 4

(Award available for year: Master of Nat Sc & Bach of Sc)

Learning outcomes

Describe and discuss confidently, accurately and in detail, using appropriate terminology, the principles of one or more specialisms within the Natural Sciences. Integrate, synthesise and apply a systematic and broad understanding of relevant and state-of-the-art concepts to solve complex/unfamiliar problems.
Design and undertake experimental, computational and/or theoretical studies that investigate scientific phenomena or pedagogy. Development of advanced experimental and investigative skills as appropriate for project.
Interrogate and integrate diverse sources of scientific literature alongside other information sources, in order to design and develop methods for investigation and analysis, including in areas at the forefront of knowledge and outside their current specialist knowledge.
Complete an independent project with elements of originality relevant to the Natural Sciences, involving data collection and analysis.
Plan and carry out investigations independently and systematically, and assess and report the significance of outcomes. Subsequently, produce a final report that includes analysis of results in the context of current knowledge and the impact of the research project.
Navigate and utilise the intersections between disciplines within the Natural Sciences to suggest solutions to real problems.

Skills Learning Outcomes
Act professionally and with integrity, with due regard for legal, ethical and societal responsibilities, modelling good practice that promotes positive perceptions of the Natural Sciences and Natural Scientists.
Work co-operatively with others as part of a significant project.
Communicate effectively using appropriate presentation skills such as written, oral and other presentation methods, selecting appropriate content, media and methods for the audience, purpose and subject.
Develop persuasive arguments and articulate their positions, synthesizing their knowledge and skills to provide a convincing narrative for their ideas
Plan and manage work in an adaptive and reflexive manner, taking account of uncertain progress and the work of others. Be resilient and flexible when faced with change or uncertainty
Confidently approach complex unknown problems. Choose actions based on own data and incomplete information as part of a project. Critically analyse own results, as well as methodology, results and conclusions produced by others e.g. via critique of research papers.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and may include written examinations, in-class and online tests, problem sheets, assignments, and coursework in the form of projects, reports, presentations and posters.
Practical work will be assessed via a combination of bench notes, data, and write-ups via lab reports. Full details about the assessment rules are available in the version of the Code of Practice on Assessment (CoPA) applicable to the year of study.