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Programme Specification 20 21 - 22
NATURAL SCIENCES TRIPOS
Awarding body University of Cambridge Teaching institution University of Cambridge Accreditation details British Psychological Society The Geological Society Institute of Physics Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Royal Society of Chemistry Name of final award Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (for all students) Master of Natural Sciences (M.Sci) (for students who take Part III of the Tripos) Programme title Natural Sciences Tripos UCAS code BCF0 BA/NS HECoS code(s) 100345 (biological sciences), 100425 (physics), 100417 (chemistry), 100225 (materials science), 100394 (earth sciences) Relevant QAA benchmark statement(s) Biosciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies, Materials, Mathematics, Physics Astronomy and Astrophysics, Psychology Qualifications framework level 6 (Honours) 7 (Master of Natural Sciences) Date specification produced March 2021 Programme Aims of the Natural Sciences Tripos The programme aims to: provide an education of the highest calibre across all sciences in order to produce graduates of the quality sought by industry, the professions, and the public service, and to provide academic teachers and researchers for the future provide a broad introduction to a range of sciences and scientific skills at University level, through having studied at least three experimental science subjects and mathematics to some extent allow students to develop specialised knowledge in one or more subjects, by studying these in depth if they so choose provide an intellectually stimulating environment in which students have the opportunity to develop their skills and enthusiasms to the best of their potential attract outstanding students from all backgrounds Programme Outcomes for the Natural Sciences Tripos Students who qualify with a B.A. degree, having taken Parts IA, IB and II of the Natural Sciences Tripos, should have: had experience of a number of broad areas of science from a choice of options, taken to an advanced level, at which current research can be appreciated in some depth completed courses designed to increase their understanding of the broad applicability of their chosen subject in the wider context of scientific study had experience of independent work, including an introduction to aspects of scientific research
substantially developed intellectual and professional skills in key areas of science substantially developed experimental and data analysis skills through a wide range of experiments in the practical laboratories to illustrate major themes of the lecture courses substantially developed communication and management skills through individual and group activities. Students who qualify with an M.Sci. degree, having also taken Part III of the Natural Sciences Tripos, should have: carried out a substantial independent research project in their chosen field and become well-prepared for a career in academic or industrial research. Teaching and Learning Methods Each course employs a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, small-group teaching sessions (supervisions), computer work, practical classes, examples classes, online resources, and field trips; not all may be used in each course. Assessment The individual courses employ a range of assessment techniques, including unseen written examinations, assessed coursework, experiment write-ups, literature and experimental reports, marked essays, oral examinations and project reports and presentations. Examiners are appointed separately for each course. In the first and second years of the Tripos (Parts IA and IB) the marks for each course are moderated to ensure a fair and comparable distribution of marks is achieved across each subject. In IA students are awarded a class based on the aggregate mark of the subjects taken, in IB students are given a class and rank for each subject taken and their overall Class is based on their subject results. In the third and, where applicable, fourth years of the course (Part II and Part III), examiners award marks and classes based on marking criteria approved by the relevant course organisers and Faculty Board. Aims, Outcomes and Assessment of Courses Each major course of the Tripos has identified its aims, learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods, assessment, and any prerequisite courses. These are included as Appendix A. Support for Students and their Learning individual course handbooks, online learning resources and websites (accessible from the NST website http://www.natsci.tripos.cam.ac.uk): University, Departmental and College libraries and computing facilities; students are assigned a Director of Studies and a personal Tutor by their College; small group tutorials (supervisions) provided by Colleges, often with collaboration of Departments for the smaller and/or more specialised subjects; extensive staff contact in practical classes and, where applicable, field courses. Criteria for Admission It is essential for students to have obtained at least two science/maths A Levels (or the equivalent). Some subjects require or recommend particular A Level prerequisites.
Students may enter Part IA of the Tripos if they have satisfied the criteria for admission specified for the Tripos and have been admitted to a Cambridge College. Students take four subjects: three experimental subjects and mathematics taken from the lists below. Director of Studies will offer firm advice on the most appropriate mathematical subject, depending on the student’s aspirations and previous knowledge. Experimental Subjects Mathematics Biology of Cells Chemistry Earth Sciences Evolution and Behaviour Materials Science Physics Physiology of Organisms Mathematics Mathematical Biology Students are expected to attend, for each of the four subjects taken, three lectures, one supervision and an average of two to four hours of practical work during each week of the eight-week terms. College Directors of Studies give further advice on appropriate levels of extracurricular study. The Second Year (Part IB) Students may enter Part IB of the Tripos if they have successfully completed Part IA of the Tripos. Students may transfer from another Tripos, providing they have satisfied the criteria for admission specified for the Natural Sciences Tripos and have approval from their College Director of Studies. Many of the subjects offered at Part IB assume specific knowledge of particular Part IA courses. Students take three subjects from the list given below. There are some restrictions on subject combinations, although there are well over 100 different combinations taken each year. Chemistry A Chemistry B Earth Sciences A Earth Sciences B Materials Science Mathematics Physics A Physics B History and Philosophy of Science Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology of Disease Cell and Developmental Biology Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Evolution & Animal Diversity Experimental Psychology Neurobiology Pharmacology Physiology Plant and Microbial Sciences Students are expected to attend, for each of the three subjects taken, three lectures, one supervision and up to six hours of practical work during each week of the eight-week terms. College Directors of Studies give further advice on appropriate levels of extracurricular study. The Third Year (Part II) Students may enter Part II of the Tripos if they have successfully completed Part IB of the Tripos. Students may transfer from another Tripos, providing they have satisfied the criteria for admission specified for the Natural Sciences Tripos and have approval from their College Director of Studies. Many of the subjects offered at Part II require specific knowledge of
particular Part IB courses; in some cases, there may be a specific requirement to have studied these courses at Part IB. In addition, there are a restricted number of places on some Part II courses and students compete for a place based on agreed Departmental selection criteria and collaborative procedures. Students usually choose to specialise in their third year from the subjects outlined below and therefore study one subject in depth. Astrophysics Chemistry Earth Sciences* Materials Science* History and Philosophy of Science* Physics* Biochemistry* Genetics Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour Pathology Pharmacology Physiology, Development, & Neuroscience Plant Sciences Psychology Zoology**
- denotes subjects in which you can continue into a fourth year Alternatively, students may opt to take one of two more general courses, choosing two subjects from a wider range of topics. These courses allow students to take a course without a practical element. Physical Sciences Biological and Biomedical Sciences Successful completion of the third year leads to the award of a B.A. degree. The Fourth Year (Part III) Students may enter Part III of the Tripos only if they have successfully completed the corresponding Part II course of the Tripos (other than Systems Biology which does not have a Part II ‘feeder’ course and History and Philosophy of Science which accepts students from other Part II courses). Fourth year courses are offered in the following subjects: Astrophysics Biochemistry Chemistry Earth Sciences History and Philosophy of Science Materials Science Physics Systems Biology Successful completion of the fourth year leads to the additional award of an M.Sci. degree. There are specific entry requirements for each Part III subject. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this programme specification. At the time of publication, the programme specification has been approved by the relevant Faculty Board (or equivalent). Programme specifications are reviewed annually, however, during the course of the academical year, any approved changes to the programme will be communicated to enrolled students through email notification or publication in the Reporter. The relevant faculty or department
Appendix A: Programme Outlines for all courses of the Natural Sciences Tripos Part IA Biology of Cells This course is taught jointly by the Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics, Plant Sciences and Zoology. Aims
- to introduce the basic concepts of cell biology, including cell structure, macromolecules, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, development and cell communication;
- to illustrate the experimental approaches and technologies which have led to our understanding of cell biology;
- to provide laboratory classes and online exercises complementary to the lecture topics to enable students to experience directly the experimental nature of the subject;
- to provide sufficient background to enable students to continue with more specialised courses in Part IB, such as Cell and Developmental Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Plant and Microbial Sciences. Learning Outcomes At the end of the course students should:
- have acquired an understanding of the major concepts in cell and molecular biology, and the experimental approaches taken to address them;
- be able to write clear and well-argued descriptions of these topics, based on the course material and textbook articles;
- be able to design, perform and analyse simple experiments in cell and molecular biology;
- be able to continue with Part IB courses which have substantial elements of cell and/or molecular biology. Teaching and Learning Methods These include lectures, supervisions, practical classes and web-based exercises_._ Assessment Assessment for this course is through: one unseen written examination, based on lecture material (for aims 1, 2 and 4 and learning outcomes 1, 2 and 4); one unseen written examination, based on material from the practical classes (for aims 2- 4 and learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4). Courses of Preparation Highly desirable : A Level Chemistry. Recommended : Although A Level Biology is not a requirement, students who have not done Biology at A Level may wish to consult an A Level Biology text before they come up.
Part IA Chemistry This course is taught by the Department of Chemistry. Aims
- to provide an introduction to university level chemistry, building on ideas and topics previously studied in typical pre-university courses such as GCE A level;
- to introduce topics in chemistry which are relevant to the further study of chemistry and other molecular sciences within the Natural Sciences Tripos;
- to introduce the key ideas and concepts which are used to understand and rationalize chemical structures and reactions, and to show how these are applied;
- to introduce quantitative theories, such as thermodynamics and kinetics, and show how these are applicable to understanding chemical reactivity;
- to develop practical skills in both preparative chemistry and in making relevant measurements, and interpreting these experiments in the light of the ideas and theories presented in the course. Learning Outcomes At the end of the course students should:
- have an enhanced understanding of the chemical principles introduced in the course;
- be able to apply these principles to solve problems, make calculations, make predictions and rationalize trends;
- have enhanced practical skills. Teaching and Learning Methods These include lectures, supervisions and practical classes. Assessment Assessment for this course is through: one unseen written examination (for aims 1-4 and learning outcomes 1-2); submission of practical notebooks containing records of practical work (for aim 5 and learning outcome 3). Courses of Preparation Essential : A Level Chemistry or equivalent (A Level Mathematics is essential for Chemistry A in Part IB). Highly desirable : AS or A Level Mathematics.
Part IA Earth Sciences This course is taught by the Department of Earth Sciences. Aims
- to introduce the geological processes of the Earth and other planets, including those beyond our solar system. The key processes are plate tectonics, climate change, magmatism, atmosphere/ocean processes, metamorphism and rock deformation, the evolution of the biosphere and erosion and sedimentation;
- to introduce key techniques in the study of the Earth, such as geophysical methods, petrographic study, geological maps and sections, sedimentological and palaeontological analysis, and compilation of regional geological history;
- to provide practical experience, in the laboratory and in the field, of these techniques and of the main classes of geological materials: minerals, fossils, and sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks;
- to provide sufficient geological foundation to enable students to continue with more specialised courses in Part IB Geological Sciences A and B. Learning Outcomes At the end of the course, students should have:
- acquired a broad understanding of the major systems of the Earth, and of the approaches used to understand them;
- learnt to identify and diagnose a range of geological materials and to analyse simple geophysical and geological data;
- developed the skill of writing concise, well-structured and clearly illustrated descriptions and analyses of these topics;
- practised appropriate transferable skills, particularly problem solving, oral and written communication and teamwork (particularly in an outdoor field setting). Teaching and Learning Methods The course is taught through lectures, practical classes, supervisions, and field courses, including a one-week residential course. Assessment Assessment for this course is through: one unseen written examination, based on material from all teaching methods (for aims 1 - 2 and learning outcomes 1-3); one unseen practical examination, based mainly on material from practical and field classes (for aim 3 and learning outcomes 2 and 4). Courses of Preparation Essential : A Levels: At least two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. No previous subject knowledge is necessary.
Part IA Evolution and Behaviour This course is taught jointly by the Departments of Biochemistry, Psychology, Genetics, Plant Sciences, Zoology and the Department of Archaeology. Aims
- to provide a course on evolutionary biology that introduces students to the major principles of evolutionary theory, and ranges from the origins of life, through the evolution of plants and animals to the evolution of behaviour;
- to prepare students for subsequent biology courses that require an understanding of evolution and behaviour;
- to show how natural selection ultimately underpins all biological processes and how evolution has generated biological diversity;
- to outline some major events in evolution, from the origin of life, to hominin evolution;
- to investigate the evolutionary basis of behaviour in animals, including primates and humans;
- to develop practical biological skills. Learning Outcomes At the end of the course students should:
- have a greatly enhanced knowledge and appreciation of evolutionary biology and behaviour;
- be able to develop cogent and critical arguments based on the course material;
- be able to perform, analyse and report on experiments and observations in evolutionary biology;
- be able to integrate related topics from separate parts of the course. Teaching and Learning Methods These include lectures, supervisions, practical classes and a field course_._ Assessment Assessment for this course is through: one unseen written examination (for aims 1-5 and learning outcomes 1-4); submission of records of practical work (for aim 6 and learning outcomes 3 and 4). Courses of Preparation Essential : None. Highly Desirable: A Level Biology
Part IA Mathematical Biology This course is taught by the Faculty of Biology and is intended for biologists Aims
- to introduce students to the application of mathematical modelling in the analysis of biological systems including populations of molecules, cells and organisms;
- to show how mathematics, statistics and computing can be used in an integrated way to analyse biological systems;
- to develop students’ skills in algebraic manipulation, the calculus of linear and non— linear differential equations, mathematical modelling, matrix algebra and statistical methods;
- to introduce students to the use of Rfor the analysis of biological processes and data, including some simple computer programming. Learning Outcomes At the end of the course, students should:
- have an enhanced knowledge and understanding of mathematical modelling and statistical methods in the analysis of biological systems;
- be better able to assess biological inferences that rest on mathematical and statistical arguments;
- be able to analyse data from experiments and draw sound conclusions about the underlying processes using their understanding of mathematics and statistics;
- be aware of the use of computers to assist them in studying mathematical functions and carrying out statistical tests. Teaching and Learning Methods These include lectures, supervisions, and computer practicals_._ Assessment Assessment for this course is through: one unseen written examination, based on lecture material (for aims 1-3 and learning outcomes 1-3); three assessed exercises, based on the lectures and practicals (for aims 1-4 and learning outcomes 1-4). Accreditation Completion of this course contributes towards receiving accreditation from the British Psychological Society, when continuing on to complete NST IB Experimental Psychology and NST Part II Psychology. Courses of Preparation Highly Desirable : A Level Mathematics
Part IA Mathematics This course is taught by the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics with input from other Physical Science Departments. There are two versions of the course, A and B. Course A provides a thorough grounding in methods of mathematical science and contains everything prerequisite for the mathematical content of all physical-science courses in Part IB of the Natural Sciences Tripos, including specifically Mathematics, Physics A and Physics B. Course B contains additional material for those students who find mathematics rewarding in its own right, and it proceeds at a significantly faster pace. Students are strongly encouraged to take Course A unless they have a thorough understanding of material in Further Mathematics A level. Both courses lead to the same examination and qualification. Aims
- to provide a course on elementary mathematical techniques that are used in the physical sciences courses of the Natural Sciences Tripos;
- to prepare students for more advanced mathematical courses in the Natural Sciences Tripos;
- to develop mathematical skills and methods appropriate for students in the physical sciences. A detailed syllabus is determined by a committee which has input from the physical science subjects in the Natural Sciences Tripos. Learning Outcomes At the end of the course students should:
- have a knowledge and understanding of a range of elementary mathematical techniques;
- be able to solve mathematical problems based on the course material. Teaching and Learning Methods These include lectures, supervisions, and occasional examples classes. Assessment Assessment for this course is through: two unseen written papers each of three hours (for aims 1-3 and learning outcomes 1-2); Courses of Preparation Essential : A Level Mathematics. Recommended : A Level Further Mathematics
Part IA Physiology of Organisms This course is taught jointly by the Departments of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, Plant Sciences and Zoology. Aims
- to provide a course of basic comparative physiology, introducing students to the principles of normal biological function in a wide range of organisms;
- to prepare students for subsequent biological courses that require an understanding of the physiology of organisms;
- to compare how animals and plants maintain an internal steady state, how they acquire and dispose of nutrients and how they detect and respond to changes in their environments;
- to outline the physiology of bacteria and fungi;
- to consider the influence that body size has on physiology;
- to develop practical biological skills. Learning Outcomes At the end of the course students should:
- have an enhanced knowledge and appreciation of the physiology of organisms;
- be able to develop cogent and critical arguments based on the course material;
- be able to perform, analyse and report on experiments and observations in physiology;
- be able to integrate related topics from separate parts of the course. Teaching and Learning Methods These include: Lectures, practical classes and practical feedback provided in seminar format or through online notes Additional, web-based resources College-based supervisions_._ Assessment Assessment for this course is through: a written examination consisting of one practical paper and one theory paper (for aims 1- 6 and learning outcomes 1-4); Courses of Preparation Essential : None. Recommended : AS or A Level Biology and/or Physics.
Part IB Biochemistry & Molecular Biology This course is taught by the Department of Biochemistry. Aims
- To build on the Part IA Biology of Cells course, providing an advanced foundation for specialist further study of Biochemistry or other molecular biosciences in: the structural organisation of genes and the control of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; protein structure, enzyme catalysis and protein engineering; the control of metabolic pathways, energy transduction and cell growth; the methods used to analyse biochemical structures and processes; the implementation of experimental protocols, use of laboratory equipment and of software to analyse molecular structure and sequences the principles that underlie experimental design Learning Outcomes At the end of the course students should have knowledge and understanding of:
- recombinant DNA technology; chromatin structure, gene expression;
- protein structure and folding, conformational mobility and stability, principles of enzyme kinetics, enzyme mechanisms, allostery and antibody recognition and protein design;
- structural basis and mechanism of energy transduction in organelles and organisms, and of the control of metabolic flux;
- the control of eukaryotic cell cycle; the principal mechanisms by which oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes perturb normal cell proliferation;
- signal transduction across membranes and within and between cells;
- molecular interrelations of selected microorganisms (including protozoa) with host organisms;
- the mechanisms of protein secretion and flagellar motility in bacteria;
- the analysis and critical interpretation of the results of biochemical experiments using examples from their own laboratory practice, journal clubs and lectures. Teaching and Learning Methods These include lectures, practical classes and discussions, computer applications, journal clubs, experimental design sessions, online quizzes and materials, and supervisions. Assessment Assessment for this course is through: two unseen written examinations based on the content of the lecture courses (for aim 1 and learning outcomes 1-8); one unseen written examination based on practical work conducted throughout the year, and drawing on the background given in lectures (for aim 1 and learning outcomes 1-8). Courses of Preparation Essential : NST Part IA Biology of Cells Knowledge of A level Chemistry is assumed.
Part IB Cell and Developmental Biology This course is taught jointly by the Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics, Plant Sciences and Zoology. Aims
- to introduce some of the major ideas and current experimental approaches in cell and developmental biology;
- to illustrate how molecular approaches complement classical cell biology in providing details of how cells carry out their basic processes;
- to consolidate and extend students’ knowledge of how cells work, how they interact and how they differentiate;
- to illustrate the excitement of the rapid advances in cell and developmental biology;
- to provide a framework for further specialised study of molecular, cellular and developmental biology in Part II courses in biological sciences. Learning Outcomes At the end of the course students should:
- have developed knowledge of the major ideas in cell biology and developmental biology;
- have an understanding of the experimental approaches, and how they are applied to specific problems in cell and developmental biology;
- be able to carry out and interpret experiments in cell and developmental biology. Teaching and Learning Methods These include lectures, supervisions and practical work. Assessment Assessment for this course is through: two unseen written examinations based on the content of the lecture courses (for aims 1- 4 and learning outcomes 1 and 2); one unseen examination, based on practical work conducted throughout the year (for aims 1-4 and learning outcomes 2 and 3). Courses of Preparation Essential : NST Part IA Biology of Cells
Part IB Chemistry A This course is taught by the Department of Chemistry. Aims
- to build on the knowledge and ideas gained from Part IA Chemistry;
- to introduce the theories and techniques used to understand and probe the behaviour of individual molecules (i.e. quantum mechanics and spectroscopy), collections of such molecules (i.e. statistical thermodynamics) and the solid state (i.e. free-electron and band theory);
- to show how these ideas can be applied to understand a wide range of physical and chemical phenomena;
- to develop practical skills involved in making and interpreting physical measurements in the light of the theories studied in the course;
- to develop skills in using computer programs to make calculations of molecular properties and to understand the significance of the results in the light of the theories studied in the course. Learning Outcomes At the end of the course students should:
- be able to apply the theories and concepts introduced in the course to solve problems, perform calculations, make predictions and rationalize trends;
- have enhanced practical skills, particularly in the areas of making and interpreting measurements, analysing data and using computer programs to compute molecular properties. Teaching and Learning Methods These include lectures, supervisions and practical classes and computer-based exercises. Assessment Assessment for this course is through: two unseen written examinations (for aims 1-3 and learning outcome 1); submission of practical notebooks containing records of practical work, including computer-based exercises (for aims 4-5 and learning outcome 2). Courses of Preparation Essential : NST Part IA Chemistry; and NST Part IA Mathematics (preferred) or NST Part IA Mathematical Biology_._ Recommended : NST Part IA Physics; NST Part IA Materials Science_._
