BSc Natural Sciences

NSC1002: Mathematics and Computing: Integrative Tools for Natural Sciences

Mathematical and computational methods play an increasingly important role in understanding the complex observational data that are used to understand problems across the natural sciences, for example developmental biology, biochemistry, physics and medicine. These systems are often best explored using the power of mathematical and computational tools and the purpose of this module is to introduce you to some of the fundamental techniques and tools that are used to study these problems.

This is a compulsory module for students on the BSc/MSci Natural Sciences, and is not open to students on other programmes.

The intentions of the module are to teach you fundamental mathematical and computational techniques and to demonstrate their relevance to the natural sciences through specific examples from biology, biochemistry, physics and medicine throughout the module.

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NSC1003: Foundations in Natural Science

Biology, Chemistry and Physics form the intellectual foundations of modern science. Together, they provide complementary perspectives on the Natural World: Physics establishes the fundamental laws that govern matter and energy; Chemistry reveals how atomic and molecular structure determines the composition, properties and reactivity of substances; and Biology explains how complex, living systems emerge, function and evolve.

This module introduces the core concepts of each discipline while emphasising their deep interconnections. By the end of it, you will have developed the breadth and confidence required to progress into second-year core modules in any of the three disciplines. By integrating Biology, Chemistry and Physics into a unified scientific narrative and a rigorous conceptual toolkit tailored for Natural Scientists, this module will prepare you to think across disciplinary boundaries and to engage confidently with the complexity of the Natural World.

This is a compulsory module for students on the BSc/ MSci Natural Sciences programme and is not open to students on other programmes.

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NSC1004: Experimental Science

This module will give you a broad foundation in experimental science, through laboratory sessions and other learning sessions, which you will build upon in Stage 2 and your research project in subsequent years.

The laboratory sessions consist of experiments designed to complement the biology, chemistry and physics topics taught in the first year and to prepare you for second year modules.

It will also help you to develop transferable skills such as report writing, which are essential to all scientists.

This is a compulsory module for students on the BSc/ MSci Natural Sciences programme and is not open to students on other programmes.

The aims of this module are to give you a foundation in the key experimental skills required to become a successful scientist and to help you learn how to apply the experimental method, develop your ability to make reliable measurements, and report findings in an effective and scientifically robust manner.

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NSC1005: Frontiers in Science 1

This module aims to help develop your understanding of the history, philosophy and methodology of science and the mechanisms by which science advances, and to give an overview of what it is like to be a scientist and the environment and context in which scientists work.

Science has a profound effect on all our lives and will play a key part in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food and energy security, disease and health, and sustainability. This module will provide you with an insight into 21st century science.

The module will provide you with both the core skills and context that will support your own project work in later stages. It will help you to develop and reflect on a portfolio of skills essential to all scientists including scientific writing, group working, and presentation skills, as well as other transferable skill, such as problem solving, collaboration and negotiation.

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NSC2001: Frontiers in Science 2

This module is designed to underpin and develop key skills required by a scientific researcher. It comprises interdisciplinary experimental and theoretical work supported through interactive lectures and online material.

At the heart of the module is the extended experiment, which spans the second term: you will design, build, run and analyse experiments that will require elements of computer programming, physics, biology, chemistry and mathematical modelling. The written report of the project will take the form of a scientific paper. You will also present your results as an oral presentation at a conference held at the end of the module.

Techniques used across the sciences will be introduced and explained in a series of lectures, which you will then use to help shape your project. In addition, you will undertake a series of shorter experiments that are designed to develop core, transferrable scientific skills.

This is a compulsory module for students on the BSc/MSci Natural Sciences degree programme.

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NSC3001: BSc Research Project

In this module you will work on a real research project linked to a research group from across the University. You will often work alongside other project students and will become a member of the research group.

You will gain a valuable insight into scientific research, but will also have an opportunity to make a real contribution to this research.

The aim of this module is to allow you to bring together the knowledge, expertise and skills you have acquired to address a real problem in a research environment. This module aims to foster the skills in open-ended problem solving you will need as a practising researcher, but which are also highly valued in many other professions.

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NSC3003: Group Project

Many work environments, often including scientific research, require highly developed team skills. Your ability to act as an effective and cooperative member of a group will make you a valued employee. This module aims to provide experience of working as part of a project team in a situation close to that which might be found in a research, industrial or commercial setting.

Using formal project planning methods to plan and manage the progress of a substantial group project, you will develop an appreciation for the challenges faced by every project manager. This is an opportunity to bring together many of the scientific and professional skills you have learned during Stages 1 and 2.

The group project could encompass a piece of scientific research, but could also be related to outreach, widening participation or work aimed at encouraging greater gender equality within STEM/M Disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine).

This is a compulsory module for students on the BSc Natural Sciences, and compulsory for those students on the MSci Natural Sciences not taking the Semester of Science Studies Abroad (NSC3004).

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