Natural Sciences BSc (Hons)

3 years, starting in September 2020

You can apply for this course from September 2019.

Gain a wide range of skills and intellectual experience in core science subjects. You'll have the flexibility to shape your degree to your career aspirations.

This is the course for you if you love studying natural sciences (chemistry, biology, physics) at school or college and want to maintain your breadth of study. You can design your own degree to suit your interests and strengths. You’ll be able to take your existing scientific skills further, explore new areas and apply what you’ve learnt in practical and relevant ways.

Employers will value your ability to bring problem-solving skills from a variety of different angles. You’ll graduate with the breadth of knowledge and practical skills to prepare you for a career in industry or for postgraduate research. If you decide during the first year your interests fit better within a single science, you may transfer to year two of biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology or physics following successful completion of a year one double stream in that subject.

Subject combinations and units

Major subjects are chosen from biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, pharmacology and physics. Minor subjects are chosen from the same list. Options are more science, mathematics, psychology, management or education units. Regardless of the major or minor you choose, you will take a final year project as a compulsory unit in your final year.

Studying a maths stream is required to support the study of physics but optional if you want to use your maths to support the study of the life sciences.

You can design your perfect course before you enrol using our online course selection tool. Here you'll find the full range of subject combinations and units available.

If you want a more in-depth study experience, you could consider applying for our MSci Natural Sciences course.

Teaching

You’ll learn from academics with expertise in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, pharmacology and physics. Their international collaborations and research activities feed into undergraduate teaching and contribute to your learning experience.

Facilities

You’ll learn alongside single-honours students in the subjects you choose, with access to the wide range of laboratories and specialised facilities provided by the individual departments you’re studying in.

Careers

By studying across a range of subjects, you'll gain the breadth of knowledge and practical skills to tackle problems from different angles. These abilities are highly valued by employers. You could go into a wide range of careers, from working in scientific and manufacturing industries or research and development, to roles in management, marketing, sales, purchasing, patenting and environmental management.

Recent employers include Deloitte, BP and the World Health Organisation. Many of our graduates also choose to go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.

Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.

More about natural sciences at Bath:

Course structure

This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2020 and ends in 2023. Induction week starts on 21 September 2020.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 60 credits (ECTS) in each academic year. These are usually split into 30 credits for each semester you study. Sixty credits are the equivalent of 1200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

Placement

We also offer this course with a placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain work experience as part of your degree.

Learning and assessment

Learning

Assessment

Typical assessment breakdown

This average assessment breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Your specific unit choices will determine the actual breakdown of assessment methods that you will experience.

% written exam

% practical exam

% coursework

Year	Written Exam	Practical Exam	Coursework
Year 2	85%	12%	3%
Year 3	69%	4%	27%

Typical contact time breakdown

This average contact time breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Scheduled learning and teaching may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Your optional unit choices will determine your actual personal contact hours.

% time in scheduled learning and teaching

% time in independent study

% time in placement/year abroad

Year	Scheduled	Independent	Placement
Year 1	31%	69%	0%
Year 2	29%	71%	0%
Year 3	18%	82%	0%

This information shows typical student contact time based on information from the 2016/17 academic year.

Helen Mylne with two lions in Africa — — Helen Mylne BSc Natural Sciences (2018)

Entry requirements

Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying sciences. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

The options available to you on the course depend on the science and mathematics subjects you have studied before you enter. We have a strong preference for applicants with A level Mathematics (or equivalent) and you will also ideally have a strong performance in at least two of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

We will consider the combination of Mathematics and Chemistry without a second science; if you have only studied Mathematics and either Biology or Physics you may wish to consider our Biology or Mathematics & Physics degrees.

If you are not studying Mathematics and two sciences please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk prior to applying to discuss whether your subject combination is suitable.

We are aware that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We take this into careful consideration through our contextual admissions process.

This guidance has been updated in February 2019.

Origin of qualifications

Select the country where your qualification comes from.

British qualifications

A level Typical offer

A*AA

A*AA in three A levels including Mathematics and two subjects from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.

A Level Alternative offer

AAA

Most of our students will join us with three A levels, but you may have study beyond this (such as a project qualification) which demonstrates your individual talents that will help you with your degree. We recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

AAA in three A levels including Mathematics and two subjects from Biology, Chemistry or Physics, plus one of:

grade A in an EPQ
grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

We do not make alternative offers based on Further Mathematics for this course.

If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer. If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.

You can find out more about our alternative offers, including a complete list of qualifications we consider on our dedicated page.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Typical offer

36 points

36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Mathematics and two from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

We have a strong preference for applicants who offer two core sciences from Biology, Chemistry and Physics alongside Mathematics at Higher Level. We may be able to consider you if you are studying Mathematics or one core science at Standard Level (at grade 7) alongside two Highers in the other relevant subjects. If you are not studying two core sciences and Mathematics at Higher Level please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk before applying to discuss whether your subject combination is suitable.

BTEC RQF Typical offer

D*DD plus A at A level

D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.

We are able to consider the above qualifications in Applied Science alongside an A level in Mathematics. Your BTEC qualification must have an appropriate combination of Chemistry, Biology and Physics content to prepare you for the course. Please contact us to discuss your units before making an application.

See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.

BTEC QCF Typical offer

D*D*D* plus A at A level

D*D*D* in a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.

See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.

Cambridge Pre-U Typical offer

D2, D3, D3

D2, D3, D3 in three principal subjects including Mathematics and two subjects from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Cambridge Pre-U Alternative offer

D3, D3, D3

Most of our students will join us with three principal subjects, but you may have study beyond this (such as a Global Perspectives course) which demonstrates your individual talents that will help you with your degree. We recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

D3, D3, D3 in three principal subjects including Mathematics and two subjects from Biology, Chemistry or Physics plus one of:

grade M1 in Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives
grade A in an EPQ
grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

We do not make alternative offers based on Further Mathematics for this course.

If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer.

You can find out more about our alternative offers, including a complete list of qualifications we consider on our dedicated page.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AAA in Advanced Highers

AAA in three Advanced Highers including Mathematics and two subjects from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAAAB in their Highers.

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

36 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering) with at least 36 credits achieved at Distinction and 3 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction.

We are able to consider the Access to HE Diploma for entry. You will need to have studied Mathematics units worth at least 12 credits at Distinction plus at least two further core sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) worth at least 12 credits at Distinction each. If you wish to take Chemistry options on our course you must be studying both Organic and Inorganic Chemistry units.

Open University credits Typical offer

Pass units worth 120 credits including a minimum of Pass Grade 2 with 80% in both S112 Science: concepts and practice and a Level 2 Mathematics unit worth 30 credits.

Typically, we would be looking for you to have studied units worth at least 120 credits, including at least 30 credits at Level 2. We would ideally be looking for you to be taking units including: S112 Science: concepts and practice, MST124: Essential Mathematics 1 and MST224: Mathematical Methods.

This information is a guide and all students applying with Open University Credits will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.

Taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans/grants for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.

Combinations of qualifications Typical offer

Your application will be considered individually based on the particular combination of qualifications and subjects that you are taking.

We can consider combinations of accepted qualifications, of which some common examples are:

A*A at A level plus D3 in a Pre-U Principal Subject including Mathematics and two subjects from Biology, Chemistry or Physics
A*A at A level plus 6 in an IB Higher Level (HL) Certificate including Mathematics and two subjects from Biology, Chemistry or Physics. While we do not consider the IB Careers Programme for entry, we are able to consider the combinations of components that are typically offered by this route, such as BTEC and IB HL Certificate combinations

We can also consider combinations that are not listed and that do not include A levels. You should read the information about essential and preferred subjects and subject combinations. We cannot consider different qualifications in the same subject area.

GCSE requirements

GCSE English grade C or 4 (or equivalent from English language category C).

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Irish qualifications

Irish Leaving Certificate

H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H3 in 6 Irish Leaving Certificates with H1, H2, H2 in Mathematics and 2 subjects from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Hong Kongese qualifications

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

5*, 5, 5 in three elective subjects including two from Biology, Chemistry or Physics plus 5* in core Mathematics and 5 in the Algebra and Calculus extended paper.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

French qualifications

French Baccalaureate

16 overall, with 16, 15, 15 in Biology (Life and Earth Sciences), Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry.

Option Internationale du Baccalaureat (OIB)

15 overall, with 16, 15, 15 in Biology (Life and Earth Sciences), Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

European qualifications

European Baccalaureate

85% overall with 8.5 in Mathematics (5 periods) and 2 subjects from Biology (4 periods), Chemistry (4 periods) or Physics (4 periods) and 9.0 in one of these.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Indian qualifications

Higher Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard)

**Average of 85% across 4 subjects with 85% in Mathematics and 2 subjects from Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

We do not accept Physical Education as one of these 4 subjects.**

These requirements are for the CBSE and CISCE boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

American qualifications

Advanced Placement Tests

5, 5, 5 in 3 APs including Calculus BC, Biology and Chemistry or 5,5,5,5 in Calculus BC, Physics 1 & 2 plus either Biology or Chemistry.

You will also need to pass your High School Diploma and achieve an ACT score of 30 or SATR scores of 740 in both Mathematics and Evidence based Reading and Writing.

SAT Subject Tests

We do not accept SAT Subject Tests for direct entry to our degrees.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Spanish qualifications

Titulo de Bachiller

A score of 9 overall with 9 in Mathematics and two further subjects from Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

German qualifications

Abitur

1.3 overall with 14, 13, 13 in Mathematics and two further subjects from Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

The required grades in Mathematics and science subjects must be achieved in your final examinations if you take them. If you do not take one of these subjects in your final examinations, you will need an average grade across 4 semesters in it.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Singaporean qualifications

Singapore A levels

AAA in 3 H2 level subjects including Mathematics and 2 subjects from Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Fees and funding

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, EU, Island or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for undergraduate courses.

Placement fees

Placement fees vary

You will normally pay a reduced tuition fee while on a placement period or studying abroad. Find out more about placement fees and study abroad fees.

Extra costs

For one of the units in biology there is an optional field course to Gower, South Wales: £300, payable during the first semester of the second year.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, cheque, bank transfer or cash. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of text books.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

Course title

Natural Sciences
Final award

BSc (Hons)
Mode of study

Full-time
Course code

CFG0
Institution code

B16
Department

Natural Sciences
Location

University of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
UK/EU application deadline

15 January 2020
Overseas deadline

15 January 2020
Application eligibility

UK and Overseas students are eligible to apply
Regulator

The Office for Students (OfS)

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process so we can better assess your studies and experiences. If you are studying an Access to HE Diploma, please make sure that your UCAS application is submitted by 15 January: if you apply after this deadline, then it may be too late for us to include you in our interview process.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.

Course enquiries

Undergraduate Selection

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