- Academic Registry
Programme & Unit Catalogues

Programmes in Natural Sciences 2022/3


UXXX-AFM01: MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Physics stream)

Leading to the award of MASTER IN SCIENCE IN NATURAL SCIENCES

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Normal programme duration: 4 years


Click here for further information Possible DAPs for this programme:

Please see your programme handbook for circumstances where transfer to DAP may be permitted/required.

  

Click here for further informationPossible exit awards for this programme:



Natural Sciences students must take units totaling 60 credits in each programme year, usually comprising five blocks of 12 credits each, although some final year projects are worth 18 or 24 credits. Students must choose a major subject stream to follow and must take two blocks of units in this major subject each year. For further information on the structure of the programme, please see the Natural Sciences Course Guide.

Year 1: Part 1 Stage 1

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 15 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 16 [pdf].
  • Part 1 Stage 1 of this programme contributes 0% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following in Year 1:
  1. All units in blocks Ls1.1, P1.1, P1.2 and M1.1
  2. Either BB10265 (Ecology & evolution) or BB10266 (Life on Earth)

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory skills unit (Designated Essential Unit)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX10238 Skills for Natural Scientists I credits       [equivalent to 0 CATS credits]

Compulsory units for Biology Ls1.1, Physics blocks P1.1 and P1.2, and Maths for Scientists block M1.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY BB10264 Cell biology12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY PH10007 Mathematical methods for physics 112 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]

Compulsory units for Biology Ls1.1, Physics blocks P1 and P1.2, and Maths for Scientists block M1.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PH10002 Properties of matter6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PH10005 Vibrations, waves & optics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH10001 Introduction to quantum physics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH10006 Electricity & magnetism6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Biology block B1.1/2

One unit must be selected from this list: either Ecology option BB10265 or Plant Science option BB10266.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY BB10265 Ecology & evolution12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY BB10266 The life of Earth12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 2: Part 2 Stage 2

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 23 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 24 [pdf].
  • Part 2 Stage 2 of this programme contributes 16% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following in Year 2:
  1. All units in blocks M2.1, P2.1 and P2.2
  2. Two blocks from: Ecology block B2.1, Plant Science block B2.2, Molecular Biology block 2.3, Genomics block B2.4 and Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B2.5 (subject to pre-requisites)

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory units for Mathematics block M2.1 and Physics block P2.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY PH20107 Mathematical methods for physics 212 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
S1 PH20060 Quantum & atomic physics [WL]6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PH20067 Thermal physics (WL)6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH20061 Electromagnetism 1 [WL]6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH20063 Condensed matter physics 1 [WL]6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Cell Biology block B2.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20024 The dynamic cell 16 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20160 The dynamic cell 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B2.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20149 Molecular genetics of vertebrate development6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20028 Molecular and cellular neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Evolution & Ecology block B2.1

Students choosing this block must take BB20040 in Semester 1 and either BB20173 or BB20226 in Semester 2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20040 Concepts in evolution6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20173 Behaviour & ecology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20226 Field course6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Plant Science block B2.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20032 Plant symbiosis & pathology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20031 Plant biotechnology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Genomics block B2.4
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20219 Genomics 16 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20220 Genomics 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional skills unit
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX20251 Skills for Natural Scientists II credits       [equivalent to 0 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 3: Part 2 Stage 3

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 23 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 24 [pdf].
  • Part 2 Stage 3 of this programme contributes 34% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following in Year 3:
  1. PH30030 and PH30077 plus six credits of optional units in each semester from Physics block P3.1;
  2. Either Mathematics block M3.1 or Environmental Sciences block Env2.1;
  3. Two Biology blocks (B3.1, B3.2, B3.3, B3.4 and B3.5) (subject to pre-requisites).
  4. Further information on DoS approved options Director of Studies approved option allowed: Students may be permitted to take Director of Studies approved units as an alternative to a maximum of 12 credits during this programme year.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory units for block P3.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PH30030 Quantum mechanics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH30077 Electromagnetism 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Select 6 credits in each semester for block P3.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PH30028 Condensed matter physics 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PH30035 Medical physics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH20018 Programming skills6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH30032 Laser physics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH30078 Magnetism3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 PH30079 Superconductivity3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 PH30098 Networks3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Optional units: Environmental Studies block ENV2.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX20239 Introduction to environmental sciences and sustainability12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Optional units: Mathematics block M3.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PH30031 Simulation techniques6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH30025 Mathematical methods6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Evolution & Ecology block B3.1

Students choosing this block must take BB30208 in Semester 1 and either BB30131 or BB30132 in Semester 2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30208 Evolutionary quantitative genetics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30131 Evolution in deep time6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30132 Sexual conflict6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Plant Science block B3.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30129 Sensory and signalling networks in plants6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40140 Plant biotechnology & the environment6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Cell Biology block B3.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30045 Cell membranes6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30161 Developmental neurobiology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B3.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30044 Molecular & medical neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30067 Advanced developmental genetics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Genomics block B3.4
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30231 Human genomics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30169 Concepts in systems biology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 4: Part 3 Stage 4

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 27 (Section B) [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 28 (Section B) [pdf].
  • Part 3 Stage 4 of this programme contributes 50% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. Biology project unit BB40130 in either S1 or S2;
  2. All units from Physics block P4.1;
  3. Two blocks of Biology options (B4.1, B4.2, B4.3, B4.4 and B4.5) (subject to pre-requisites), dropping six credits from one of the biology blocks in the semester in which BB40130 is taken.
  4. Further information on DoS approved options Director of Studies approved option allowed: Students may be permitted to take Director of Studies approved units as an alternative to a maximum of 12 credits during this programme year.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory units for Physics blocks P4.1 & P4.2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PH40024 Contemporary physics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH40084 Advanced quantum theory6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH40085 Nanoscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PH40086 Photonics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Biology majors must take BB40130 in either Semester 1 or Semester 2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40130 Research project (MSci)18 credits       [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]
S2 BB40130 Research project (MSci)18 credits       [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B4.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40082 Frontiers of neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 BB40102 Molecular mechanisms of disease6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 BB40124 Human developmental disorders6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40164 Modern methods of researching neurodegeneration6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Genomics block B4.4
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40134 Molecular phylogenetics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40117 Microbial evolution - from the laboratory to nature6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Cell Biology block B4.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40102 Molecular mechanisms of disease6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40118 Current topics in gene regulation and cell differentiation6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Plant Science block B4.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 BB40133 Plant responses to abiotic stress6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Evolution & Ecology block B4.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40128 The evolution of genetic systems6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 BB40134 Molecular phylogenetics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40117 Microbial evolution - from the laboratory to nature6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40193 Sexual conflict6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40195 Conservation biology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.