Natural Sciences

What is natural sciences?
The University recently introduced the Natural Sciences three-year BSc and four-year MSci degrees to meet the growing demand for graduates with a broad scientific education. These courses aim to encourage an openminded and creative attitude towards science through a structured yet flexible programme of study designed around your individual interests and career aspirations. The Natural Sciences degrees will appeal to talented students with an aptitude for science who would like to keep their options open.

The Natural Sciences degrees allow you to study a challenging and diverse range of subjects from across the sciences. You will begin one of 14 three-subject pathways in your first year and gradually specialise over the course of your degree. This will enable you to get a good grounding in core science subjects alongside experience of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary study.

How will I study?
Teaching on the Natural Sciences degree is provided by the Department of Archaeology and the Schools of Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biosciences, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Psychology. A variety of teaching formats are used including lectures, seminars, problem classes and practical sessions using state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment to ensure that students benefit from a positive and effective learning environment. Teaching is research-led which means that students learn about the latest developments from staff who are involved in cutting-edge research.

BSc or MSci
The BSc in Natural Sciences allows students to gain a broad understanding of their chosen science subjects over three-years studying three subjects in the first year and two in the second and third year. It prepares students for further training or study in many interdisciplinary areas of science as well as for graduate-level employment both within the science sector and more generally. 

The MSci in Natural Sciences is aimed at students who are interested in pursuing a career in research. The fourth year allows students to develop key transferable skills through an independent, interdisciplinary research project which is taken alongside specialist modules focusing on a single science subject. It provides the grounding required for students to pursue a research degree such as a PhD, as well as for direct entry into graduate-level employment both within the science sector and more generally. 

Assessment
The methods of assessment in Natural Sciences vary from module to module and from school to school. Types of assessment commonly used include written examinations, in-class tests, essays, dissertations, laboratory reports, field reports, projects, computing assignments, problem-based assignments and project work.   

Career prospects
Natural Sciences graduates are highly regarded by employers since students acquire a broad range of scientific knowledge, as well as useful skills such as communication, numeracy and information technology. They are well qualified for a wide variety of scientific careers such as research and development, marketing and management in the biotechnology, chemical, pharmaceutical and other scientific-based industries. In addition, they are sought by all sectors of business and manufacturing, as well as service industries, such as insurance and finance.  Natural Sciences graduates are ideally prepared to undertake further study, such as graduate-entry medicine courses, or specialist training to qualify as teachers, accountants or actuaries. 

Application and interview
We usually consider candidates on the basis of their UCAS form without interview; in the case of students from nonstandard backgrounds, an interview may be required.

Open days
Visit days for students offered a place are normally held between January and April. For University-wide open days, please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays

A copy of the flyer can be downloaded in pdf format:

Natural Sciences flyer