Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences with Foundation Year
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences with Foundation Year | Programme code | UFS4NSCNSC01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
This is a 4 year undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded Foundation year. During the Foundation year, students will develop their academic skills and subject knowledge at Exeter. In the following year, students will join the first year of a BSc in Natural Sciences degree programme, subject to successful completion of the Foundation year.
Natural Sciences provides the intellectual foundations for the interdisciplinary scientists of the future. It is a degree designed for highly motivated students combining flexibility, choice and intellectual rigour. It will place you at the heart of the learning process and give you the opportunity to work alongside world-leading researchers who are exploring some of the most important scientific developments of the 21st century. It will enable you to develop the essential skills and knowledge that will allow you to make a real contribution to these challenges.
The degree ensures that you build solid foundations in the fundamentals of physical, biological and mathematical sciences, with a bespoke first year, and provides you with the flexibility to specialise in areas of specific interest as the programme progresses. As well as having the opportunity to specialise in the more traditional subject areas, you will engage with the inspirational new areas of modern scientific innovation and research such as mathematical and computational biology; biophysical, biochemical and biomedical science; materials science and materials chemistry; the science of oceans, atmospheres and climate; astrophysics; and energy research. This aspect of the programme is uniquely inspired and underpinned by some of the exciting and world-leading interdisciplinary research being carried out within the University of Exeter’s Science Strategy themes, such as climate change and sustainable futures, systems biology, functional materials and extrasolar planets.
Our Natural Sciences programme will allow you to take full advantage of the growing demand in research organisations, industry and business for graduates who are able to work in the multidisciplinary scientific environments of the future.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The general aims of this programme are:
To provide education intended to give you competence in the Natural Sciences, and to encourage you to develop your intellectual capabilities within an institution that is committed to advancing world-leading, interdisciplinary research, scholarship and learning, and to disseminating knowledge.
More specifically, this programme aims:
- To lay the foundation of mathematical skills for more advanced studies by bringing students to a level of knowledge and competence equivalent to the pre-requisite for a first year degree in mathematics.
- To provide you with knowledge and understanding of the natural sciences from the fundamentals to the frontiers of the subject.
- To provide you with the basic scientific, intellectual, and practical training that will prepare you for lifelong learning, and, if you wish, for a career in scientific research.
- To develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.
- To enable you to experience a supportive learning environment that fosters your academic and personal development.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
- https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/naturalsciences/modules/
- https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/current/
- http://newton.ex.ac.uk/handbook/PHY/modules/index.html
- https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/mathematics/modules/
- https://geography.exeter.ac.uk/currentstudents/modules/
- https://psychology.exeter.ac.uk/currentstudents/modules/
In Stage 3, you may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme's core and optional modules in Stage 3 and 45 credits in Stage 4, as long as you have obtained the explicit permission of the Programme Director, any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTH0001 | Principles of Pure Mathematics | 30 | Yes |
| MTH0002 | Applied Mathematics | 30 | No |
| MTH0003 | Exploring Mathematics | 15 | No |
| MTH0004 | Foundation Statistics | 15 | No |
| MTH0005 | Science: Skills and Culture | 30 | No |
Stage 2
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSC1002 | Mathematics and Computing: Integrative Tools for Natural Sciences | 30 | Yes |
| NSC1003 | Foundations in Natural Science | 60 | No |
| NSC1004 | Experimental Science | 15 | No |
| NSC1005 | Frontiers in Science 1 | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Stage 3
30 credits of compulsory modules, at least 60 credits of optional modules and up to 30 credits of elective modules.
You must select at least four optional modules from the list below. The remaining 30 credits will usually also be taken from the list below. However, exceptionally, up to 30 credits may instead be taken from other relevant University modules, for which you have the necessary pre-requisites, and with agreement with your Personal Tutor or Natural Sciences leadership team.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSC2001 | Frontiers in Science 2 | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NatSci BSc-MSci Stage 2 optional modules 2023-4 | |||
| BIO2076 | Ecology and Environment | 15 | No |
| BIO2085 | Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds II | 15 | No |
| BIO2088 | Advanced Cell Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO2090 | Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO2091 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO2092 | Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics | 15 | No |
| MTH2003 | Differential Equations | 15 | No |
| MTH2004 | Vector Calculus and Applications | 15 | No |
| NSC2002 | Physical Chemistry | 15 | No |
| NSC2003 | Introduction to Numerics and Simulation for Scientists | 15 | No |
| PHY2021 | Electromagnetism I | 15 | No |
| PHY2022 | Quantum Mechanics I | 15 | No |
| PHY2023 | Thermal Physics | 15 | No |
| PHY2024 | Condensed Matter I | 15 | No |
| PHY2029 | The Physics of Living Systems | 15 | No |
| PHY2030 | Observing the Universe | 15 | No |
Stage 4
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of elective modules.
You must select 60 credits of elective modules at least 30 of which must be at level 6. You may select up to 30 credits from the Stage 2 (level 5) optional module list (see above) assuming you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. You may also take other relevant University modules for which you have the necessary pre-requisites, and with agreement with your Personal Tutor. An indicative list of optional modules is provided below but this list is not exhaustive and you are encouraged to look at the range of modules on offer across the University.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSC3001 | BSc Research Project | 30 | No |
| NSC3003 | Group Project | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NatSci BSc-MSci Stage 3 optional modules 2023-4 | |||
| BIO3037 | Ecology of Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| BIO3041 | Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO3073 | Specialist Topics in Chemical Sciences | 15 | No |
| BIO3077 | Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO3089 | Organic Synthesis and Drug Design | 15 | No |
| BIO3092 | Bioinformatics | 15 | No |
| MTH3006 | Mathematical Biology and Ecology | 15 | No |
| MTH3007 | Fluid Dynamics | 15 | No |
| MTH3019 | Mathematics: History and Culture | 15 | No |
| MTH3030 | Mathematics of Climate Change | 15 | No |
| MTH3047 | Mathematics for Environment and Sustainability | 15 | No |
| NSC3007 | Macromolecular and Supramolecular Chemistry | 15 | No |
| NSC3009 | Aerosols, Clouds and Climate | 15 | No |
| PHY3052 | Nuclear and High Energy Particle Physics | 15 | No |
| PHY3061 | The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues | 15 | No |
| PHY3067 | Energy and the Environment | 15 | No |
| NSC3008 | Symmetry and Statistics of Molecules | 15 | No |
| PHYM016 | Physics of Advanced Materials | 15 | No |
| PHYM017 | Modelling for Advanced Materials | 15 | No |
| PHYM018 | Design and Application of Metamaterials | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. A selection of topics in?pure and applied mathematics, mathematical logic, probability and statistics,?and the connections between them. | At Stage 0 of the programme, knowledge and skills are primarily provided through formal lectures supported by regular problem sheets for students to tackle on their own.?Students will be encouraged to develop solutions for the formative exercises in the class while working in small groups.?Lectures are reinforced by regular tutorial groups in which assistance with, and feedback on, problem sheets is given.?Students will be provided with learning materials, worked examples, exercise sheet and solutions via the Virtual Learning Environment.? | Stage 0: Most Knowledge is tested through examinations in addition to other forms of summative assessments including?class-tests, online quizzes, project reports/essays, group projects or presentations. Skills will be assessed directly and indirectly at various stages of each module through coursework, tests, presentations, and written projects, as well as final examinations. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. A selection of topics in?pure and applied mathematics, mathematical logic, probability and statistics,?and the connections between them. | See above. | See above. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. 1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts necessary for progression to further studies in mathematics or in other quantitative degree pathways. | See above. | See above. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
The Natural Sciences Programme provides every student meetings each term with a personal tutor. The role of tutors is both to instil in you a sense of academic rigour and thinking and to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme. This includes working with you to decide the appropriate elective module choices, and research project areas, and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. In year 1, and some modules in subsequent years, you will also be provided with additional academic support through small group tutorials and you can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. The Natural Sciences website includes the student handbook. You have access to computers and printers within the University. You can expect reasonable access to all teaching staff through appointments. The Natural Sciences Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences with Foundation Year
19. UCAS Code
CGF1
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Mathematics, statistics and operational research
[Honours] Engineering
[Honours] Chemistry
[Honours] Biosciences
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 19/02/2013 |
Date of last revision | 09/05/2023 |
|---|
