Natural Sciences is a multidisciplinary degree which allows you to study three subjects in the first year and continue with two subjects in the second and third year. If you have undertaken a Natural Sciences course with a year in industry, placement year, or year in computer science, this will take place during your second year and so all following years will be pushed by one year (e.g. year two becomes three, year three becomes four).
20 compulsory credits and 20 optional credits.
Year Three (2023 entry only)
You will continue with the same two subjects studied in the second year, taking 50 credits in each.
Compulsory year three module
Alongside subject-specific study, you will undertake a 20-credit compulsory synoptic module which aims to tie together the subjects you are studying through an interdisciplinary group project.
The Natural Sciences programme is by nature interdisciplinary but is mostly taught via specialized modules delivered by individual Schools with little exploration of the interfaces between the sciences. The synoptic module (C13602) gives students the opportunity to combine knowledge and skills acquired whilst on their pathway to carry out a (number of) interdisciplinary piece(s) of work.
20 credits throughout the full year.
Chemistry
30 compulsory credits from your chosen specialism:
Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
Advanced Laboratory Techniques N
To teach advanced experimental techniques in chemistry. To provide experience in the recording, analysis and reporting of physical data. To put into practice methods of accessing, assessing and critically appraising chemical literature. Following initial workshops there will be a focused literature review culminating in a mini research project. Experience in:
- Experimental design and methodology
- Using advanced experimental techniques in chemistry
- The recording, analysis and reporting of physical data
- The reporting of experimental results in journal style
- Team working
10 compulsory credits throughout the full year.
Synthesis and Reactive Intermediates
On this module, students will learn:
- To consolidate and develop concepts of organic reactivity and mechanism, primarily using qualitative frontier molecular orbital theory
- To illustrate and rationalise molecular rearrangements in organic chemistry
- To give an appreciation of the generation and use of reactive intermediates in organic chemistry
10 credits in the spring semester.
and one of:
Catalysis, Bioinorganic and Supramolecular Chemistry
This module increases the student's knowledge and understanding of
(a) heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis
(b) catalyst promotion and the concept of catalytic cycles.
The physical basis of the structure-property relationships of heterogeneous catalysts is explained and the link between various organo-transition metal complexes and homogenous catalysis is explored. Comparisons between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis are highlighted. A review of the 18- and 16- electron rules and fundamental metal-centred bond-forming and bond-breaking reactions is undertaken and applied to several catalytic cycles. The influence of catalyst design in homogeneous catalysts, with respect to choice of metal ion and ligands, is discussed relating to product selectivity, in particular chirality. A qualitative appreciation of scale up for industrial application.
10 optional credits in the Spring semester.
Topics in Inorganic and Sustainable Chemistry
This module covers Inorganic Mechanisms and the overarching fundamental principles of Greener and Sustainable Chemistry as applied to processes.
Topics covered for Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms include classification of the types of substitution reactions found in coordination and organometallic chemistry; explanation of how spectroscopic methods can be used to detect organometallic reaction intermediates.
Topics in-scope for discussion on the theme of Greener and Sustainable Chemistry include:
- the principles of green chemistry
- scale-up in the chemicals industry with case studies
- cleaner polymerisation
- clean extraction
- oxidation processes including supercritical water
10 credits in the spring semester.
You can then choose up to 20 credits from:
Chemical Biology and Enzymes
On this module, students should gain a good appreciation of the applications for a range of enzymological, chemical and molecular biological techniques to probe cellular processes and catalysis at the forefront in Chemical Biology research.
This module represents a culmination of principles and techniques from a biophysical, molecular, biochemical and genetic perspective.
10 optional credits in the Autumn semester.
Protein Structure and Function, Biospectroscopy and Bioinformatics
This module will develop an understanding of protein structure, stability, design and methods of structural analysis. In addition you will understand the protein folding problem and experimental approaches to the analysis of protein folding kinetics and the application of site-directed mutagenesis.
You will also be expected to develop a number of spectroscopic experimental techniques to probe protein structures.
There will be two hours of lectures a week.
10 credits in the Autumn semester.
Contemporary Drug Discovery
Description under review.
10 credits throughout the full year.
Communicating Chemistry
This module consists of some preparatory work early in Semester 1, followed by a single session of 5 weeks duration in which time is spent in schools in Semester 2, followed by an assessment period in Semester 2.
1. Students will spend 6-8 hours per week in the classroom over a period of around five weeks working with one teacher but probably a range of different classes.
2. Before entering the classroom, the student will receive training and in-depth materials to focus learning and to prepare for working in a school.
3. The students will be required keep a journal of what is done, write a reflective review of the placement, provide a
This is a classroom-based module for learning key skills including communication, presentation, team-working, active listening, time management and prioritisation. Increased transferable skills which will enhance employability and confidence. Provision of classroom experience if considering teaching as a potential career.
10 compulsory credits throughout the full year.
Or from this substream:
Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
30 compulsory credits:
Advanced Laboratory Techniques N
To teach advanced experimental techniques in chemistry. To provide experience in the recording, analysis and reporting of physical data. To put into practice methods of accessing, assessing and critically appraising chemical literature. Following initial workshops there will be a focused literature review culminating in a mini research project. Experience in:
- Experimental design and methodology
- Using advanced experimental techniques in chemistry
- The recording, analysis and reporting of physical data
- The reporting of experimental results in journal style
- Team working
10 compulsory credits throughout the full year.
Chemical Bonding, Reactivity and Surfaces
This module aims to:
- provide a fundamental understanding of molecular structure and of the requirements for reactivity
- introduce modern electronic structure theory and demonstrate how it can be applied to determine properties such as molecular structure, spectroscopy and reactivity.
At the end of the module, a student should be able to:
1. Understand the information contained in a simple potential energy contour plot
2. Appreciate the origin of the normal mode separation and the reasons for its breakdown
3. Appreciate the origin of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation and the reasons for its breakdown
4. Appreciate the role of symmetry in spectroscopic selection rules
5. Perform simple calculations of partition functions
6. Appreciate the concepts underlying RRK and Transition State theories and how they overcome limitations in simple collision theory
7. Describe and understand different electronic structure methods including Hartree-Fock theory and density functional theory
8. Understand the electron correlation problem
9. Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of different electronic structure methods
10. Understand how theoretical methods can be used to model chemical reactions and spectroscopy.
10 optional credits in the Autumn semester.
and one of:
Catalysis, Bioinorganic and Supramolecular Chemistry
This module increases the student's knowledge and understanding of
(a) heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis
(b) catalyst promotion and the concept of catalytic cycles.
The physical basis of the structure-property relationships of heterogeneous catalysts is explained and the link between various organo-transition metal complexes and homogenous catalysis is explored. Comparisons between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis are highlighted. A review of the 18- and 16- electron rules and fundamental metal-centred bond-forming and bond-breaking reactions is undertaken and applied to several catalytic cycles. The influence of catalyst design in homogeneous catalysts, with respect to choice of metal ion and ligands, is discussed relating to product selectivity, in particular chirality. A qualitative appreciation of scale up for industrial application.
10 optional credits in the Spring semester.
Topics in Inorganic and Sustainable Chemistry
This module covers Inorganic Mechanisms and the overarching fundamental principles of Greener and Sustainable Chemistry as applied to processes.
Topics covered for Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms include classification of the types of substitution reactions found in coordination and organometallic chemistry; explanation of how spectroscopic methods can be used to detect organometallic reaction intermediates.
Topics in-scope for discussion on the theme of Greener and Sustainable Chemistry include:
- the principles of green chemistry
- scale-up in the chemicals industry with case studies
- cleaner polymerisation
- clean extraction
- oxidation processes including supercritical water
10 credits in the spring semester.
You can then choose up to 20 credits from:
Communicating Chemistry
This module consists of some preparatory work early in Semester 1, followed by a single session of 5 weeks duration in which time is spent in schools in Semester 2, followed by an assessment period in Semester 2.
1. Students will spend 6-8 hours per week in the classroom over a period of around five weeks working with one teacher but probably a range of different classes.
2. Before entering the classroom, the student will receive training and in-depth materials to focus learning and to prepare for working in a school.
3. The students will be required keep a journal of what is done, write a reflective review of the placement, provide a
This is a classroom-based module for learning key skills including communication, presentation, team-working, active listening, time management and prioritisation. Increased transferable skills which will enhance employability and confidence. Provision of classroom experience if considering teaching as a potential career.
10 compulsory credits throughout the full year.
Structure Determination Methods
Various structure determination methods will be presented, covering a selection of spectroscopic and scattering methods. Advanced light and neutron sources will be introduced, moving on to their use in determining the structures of both isolated molecules and of solids (both crystalline and amorphous) and liquids.
10 credits in the Spring semester.
Archaeology
Optional Archaeology modules
40-60 credits from the following options:
Medieval Europe and the Mediterranean AD 500-1500
This module considers the archaeological evidence for the development of British and European societies and their connections around the Mediterranean, Africa and across Eurasia in the medieval period (from c. AD 500-1500). This was a period of significant social, political, economic and climate change which laid the foundations of the modern world.
Key topics will include in-depth analysis of themes such as the transformation of European and Mediterranean landscapes and settlement patterns from the Fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance; the towns of western Europe, Byzantium and the Islamic world; the impact of climate change, epidemic disease and population growth; the rise of kingdoms, states and empires; and the development of nearly global trade networks in Europe, Africa and Asia, between AD 500 and 1500 that would culminate in permanent European settlement in the Americas.
The lectures and seminars will explore interdisciplinary approaches to the examination of these topics and what they can tell us about social and economic change, ideologies and social identities over 1000 years of human history.
20 credits in the Autumn Semester.
The Silk Road: cultural interactions and perceptions
The Silk Road will be presented as a range of archaeological, historical, geographical, political and scientific themes. Broad cultural themes will be balanced with the presentation of specific case studies, such as the Roman, Byzantine and (medieval) Islamic Silk Roads and their links with e.g. the Tang and Ming dynasties along the networks which made up the terrestrial and maritime silk and spice roads. Later examples will also be considered to provide a balance. The ways in which Silk Roads can be defined such as a consideration of trade and exchange of a wide range materials across central and eastern Asia will be considered. Furthermore scientific analysis and its role in the interpretation of trade and exchange will be considered between for example China, central Asia , Scandinavia and the Middle east. Nineteenth century and more recent perceptions of the Silk Road will be considered too. This cross-disciplinary approach will focus on a range of geographical areas during a range of time periods. Movement of peoples and things will therefore be considered from a wide range of viewpoints producing mutually enriching studies set in global contexts.
20 credits in the Autumn Semester.
The World of the Mycenaeans
Description under review
Introduction to Ancient Greek Medicine
Description under review
Mapping the Humanities
Description under review
Isotopes and Environmental Archaeology
Description under review
The City of Rome: From Village to Metropolis
Description under review
Heritage and the media
Description under review
Through a Glass Darkly
Glass is a unique material with some unusual properties that were used in past societies in a wide range of ways. Archaeological, ethnographic, historical and scientific approaches will all be used to answer cultural questions about the production and use of glass in past societies. All seminars and lectures will consist of a rich interdisciplinary mix of approaches to ancient glass. The module uses archaeological case studies extensively and covers glass from the earliest made in the 3rd millennium BC up to the medieval period. Geographically we will cover glass that occurs in the West, the Middle East and as far away as China.
In practical sessions students will get the chance to handle ancient glass of a range of dates, including evidence for its production and to identify what it was used for. Students will work hot glass themselves in the Ancient Technology lab in Humanities – such as decorated glass bead making. They will also see at first hand through the use of University analytical equipment how the scientific analysis of glass can answer questions about ancient glass technology and provenance.
All lectures and discussion groups will be presented in a way that involves students and to encourage them to voice their opinions about different aspects of the study of ancient glass. The seminars in particular will give students the opportunities to develop a presentation and allow them think in detail about interpretations.
20 credits in the Spring Semester.
Ecosystem and Environment
Year three students to take 50 credits from the following list.
Global Climate Change
Description under review.
20 credits throughout the year.
Tropical Environments in the Anthropocene
Description under review.
Computer Modelling in Science: Applications
Modern biological and environmental science includes the study of complex systems and large data sets, including imaging data. This necessitates the use of computer models and analyses in order to understand these systems.
This module contains an introduction to computer programming and modelling techniques that are used in the biological and environmental sciences. Specifically, it contains:
- Development, simulation and analysis for models in space and time, using the Python language, with applications in the biological and environmental sciences;
- Analysis of long term behaviour of models in two or more dimensions;
- Methods for fitting models to experimental and environmental data;
- Analysis of image data. The module will focus on relevant applications in environmental and biological science, e.g. chemical, radioactive and biological pollution, crop development and pathogens and microbiology. The module will use the Python programming language throughout and be assessed by a patchwork assessment consisting of write-ups of assignments from during the semester.
20 credits in the Autumn semester.
Arctic Ecology Field Course
The course will focus on the function of arctic ecosystems. We will identify key terrestrial ecosystem drivers and processes in order to gain a broad understanding of arctic areas. During the field course, students will put ecological methodology into practice in projects that analyse landscape patterns and processes in different habitats. The course will also address climate change impacts on arctic ecosystems. The work will familiarise students with ecological methodology, experimental design, data collection and analysis, interpretation and presentation. Students are required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the field course.
10 credits in the Autumn semester.
Palaeobiology
Palaeobiology explores the relationship between life and the Earth's physical and chemical environment over geological/ evolutionary time. The module will focus on the geological consequences of evolution and how life has influenced physical and chemical environment. Topics covered will include: Origins and evolution of life; Evolution of the atmosphere and biosphere; the geobiology of critical intervals in both palaeobiology and evolutionary ecology. Students will gain an in depth knowledge of the mechanisms that control changes in the physiochemical environmental and their impact upon evolution. In order to gain a broad understanding the module will explore past changes as seem in the fossil record, together with present day processes that underpin these responses. The lectures and course work will give students knowledge of the tools that are used to reconstruct past environmental conditions and the effect of future changes in the abiotic stimuli that drive environmental change.
10 credits in the Autumn semester.
Unearthing the Past
Description under review.
Environmental Modelling
This module provides training in environmental biotechnology, with particular emphasis on the interaction between microorganisms and the environment. The main topics covered will be wastewater treatment, bioremediation of organic and inorganic pollutants, microbes as indicators of risk factors in the environment, microbes in agriculture (biocontrol and biofertilisers) and the role of microorganisms in bioenergy production. Each topic will be introduced by a formal lecture followed by workshops during which students will study the topics in greater detail through problem-based learning techniques facilitated by the Convenor and by independent research. Knowledge and understanding of the lecture material will be assessed by Rogo examination and students will present the problem based exercises and case studies within an individual portfolio during the final week of the module.
10 credits in the Spring semester.
Environmental Biotechnology
This module provides training in environmental biotechnology, with particular emphasis on the interaction between microorganisms and the environment. The main topics covered will be wastewater treatment, bioremediation of organic and inorganic pollutants, microbes as indicators of risk factors in the environment, microbes in agriculture (biocontrol and biofertilisers) and the role of microorganisms in bioenergy production. Each topic will be introduced by a formal lecture followed by workshops during which students will study the topics in greater detail through problem-based learning techniques facilitated by the Convenor and by independent research. Knowledge and understanding of the lecture material will be assessed by Rogo examination and students will present the problem based exercises and case studies within an individual portfolio during the final week of the module.
10 credits in the Spring semester.
Tropical Ecology and Conservation
Description under review.
Year Four (MSci students only) (2023 entry only)
You will choose one of your third-year subjects to focus on in the fourth year, spending half your time working on an independent research project aiming to develop the skills needed to pursue a career in research.
All students take 120 credits of modules in the fourth year and each subject has a minimum number of credits listed. Students can take 120 credits from a single subject (where available) or they can use modules from their second subject to make up the difference between the minimum and the required number of credits.
Chemistry
Students taking Chemistry must take a minimum of 80 and a maximum of 120 credits from this subject.
60 compulsory credits:
Chemistry Research Project
You will be welcomed into one of the research groups within the School of Chemistry to undertake an in-depth research project.
All projects will involve a review of relevant published work and the planning and execution of a research topic under the guidance of two supervisors. Students will present their findings orally and in a written report.
60 compulsory credits throughout the full year.
And a minimum of 20 credits to a maximum of 60 credits from the following optional modules:
Enterprise for Scientists
Students will learn about the factors that lead to successful commercial innovation and how to take a technical idea and convert it into a successful commercial venture. They are shown routes to market for innovative ideas available from an academic/industrial viewpoint Assessment in SEM 1 will be via group exercise and presentation; teams have 3 weeks to develop the business case for a new innovation as a Dragon’s Den Style Pitch which is given in late November.
Students will also learn about different types of business and how they contribute to the global economy. Some of the basic business skills will be covered (selling, marketing, customer awareness and finance) as well as the aspects which drive innovation and success.
We also give students an understanding of intellectual property, how it is used to create value in the business context. Aspects of IP law are highlighted with reference to different types of IPR including patents, trademarks, copyright, design rights and trade secrets including their everyday application within chemistry using industries.
This course demonstrates utilisation of this IP to give a company a competitive advantage within their market place.
At the end of the course students participate in a one day business exercise led by professionals from a chemicals company that tests all of the above skills in an interesting and realistic approach to commercial problem solving.
10 optional credits throughout the full year.
Advanced Physical Chemistry 1
Building on your knowledge from the previous years' modules in inorganic chemistry, you’ll study topics including:
- electron transfer pathways
- inorganic chemistry in biological systems
- the principles of molecular and supramolecular photochemistry
- applications of inorganic photochemistry
- photocatalysis
You’ll attend two lectures each week in this module.
10 optional credits in the Autumn semester.
Contemporary Organic Synthesis
Explore the synthesis of a variety of natural (and unnatural) compounds of relevance to biology and medicine, with reference to the goals and achievements of contemporary organic synthesis through a range of case studies. There is an emphasis on the use of modern synthetic methodology to address problems such as chemoselectivity, regiocontrol, stereoselectivity, atom economy and sustainability.
You will also study the application of new methodology for the rapid, efficient and highly selective construction of a range of target compounds - particularly those that display significant biological activity. There will also be an opportunity to address how a greater understanding of mechanism is important in modern organic chemistry. This module is assessed by a two hour exam.
10 optional credits in the Autumn semster.
Inorganic and Materials Chemistry A
In this module you will explore inorganic photochemistry, electron transport pathways, molecular and supramolecular photochemistry, and artificial photosynthesis together with the principles that underpin green chemistry.
You will attend two lectures per week in this module.
10 optional credits in the Autumn semester.
Inorganic and Materials Chemistry B
This module focuses on Inorganic Photochemistry, Molecular Machines and the applications of photochemistry tochemical manufacture.
10 optional credits in the Autumn semester.
Advanced Biocatalysis, Biosynthesis and Chemical Biology
Advanced Chemical Biology:
To introduce concepts of chemical genetics and including activity-based protein profiling, non-natural amino acid incorporation, bio-orthogonal reactivity and the use of bump-and-hole strategies, applied to various challenges such as finding kinase/target pairs.
Biocatalysis
To introduce enzyme engineering and the synthetic utility of designer biocatalysts, especially highlighting chemo-enzymatic approaches toward chiral commodity molecules (e.g. pharmaceuticals) and their precursors.
Biosynthesis
To introduce the biosynthetic pathways and enzyme catalysed reactions leading natural products polyketides, terpenes, fatty acids and non-ribosomal peptides.
10 optional credits in the Spring semster.
Advanced Physical Chemistry 2
Building on your knowledge from the previous years' modules in inorganic chemistry, you’ll study topics including:
- electron transfer pathways
- inorganic chemistry in biological systems
- the principles of molecular and supramolecular photochemistry
- applications of inorganic photochemistry
- photocatalysis
You’ll attend two lectures each week in this module.
10 optional credits in the Spring semester.
Medicines from Nature/Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry
This module consists of two separately taught topics in advanced organic chemistry: Medicines from Nature (Dr Francesca Paridisi ) and Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry (Dr Andrew Nortcliffe).
Medicines from Nature
To provide an appreciation of the importance of natural products from plants, micro-organisms and marine life in providing leads for today’s drugs and medicines in the fight against cancer, blood pressure, pain, inflammation, bacterial infection, AIDS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases. How the discovery of biological activity in a natural product can be turned into a useful medicine. The topic will include descriptions of the biosynthesis and total synthesis of natural products.
Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry
This topic explores the role of the chemist in developing a viable commercial synthesis of medicines starting from a small scale. After a description of the place process chemistry takes within drug discovery as a whole, the topic will cover the following: Selection of chemical routes to medicines and assessment of their worth; Safety; Reagent selection; synthesis of chirally pure compounds; How reactions and reaction workups may be optimised.
10 optional credits in the Spring semester.
Molecular Interactions and Supramolecular Assembly
In this module you will learn about the importance of intermolecular forces, across a wide cross-section of subject areas from biology through to supramolecular chemical systems.
You will study molecular organisation, assembly and recognition in biological and supramolecular systems.
In addition to appreciating the rich chemistry underlying self-assembling systems, you'll learn about the phenomena that impact on the properties of materials and important interactions in biology.
10 optional credits in the Spring semester.
Nucleic Acids and Bioorganic Mechanism
During this module you will learn to understand in depth the structure, chemistry and molecular recognition of nucleic acids and their reactivity towards mutagens, carcinogens and ionising radiation and anti-tumour drugs. You will appreciate the plasticity and dynamics of the DNA duple helix through base motions that underpin its function.
The bacterial replisome will be used as the prime example to highlight the problems associated with DNA replication and the significance of telomeres will be discussed. Alongside this you will develop an understanding of the chemical reactivity of coenzymes and how these add significantly to the functionality of the 20 amino acids found in proteins.
10 optional credits in the Spring semester.