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Natural Sciences: University of Birmingham

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Degree 
BSc
Address
Natural Sciences: University of Birmingham, Undergraduate Admissions Office, The School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject
Ecology Environment
Duration 
3 years, 4 years for Natural Sciences with Study in Continental Europe
Telephone 
+44(0)121 414 5922
Fax 
+44(0)121 414 5925
E-mail 

Natu...@bham.ac.uk

Website 
http://www.naturalsciences.bham.ac.uk



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Courses available

  • Natural Sciences BSc
    UCAS code: CFG0
  • Natural Sciences with Study in Continental Europe BSc
    UCAS code: FCG0

To specialise now or later? That is the question facing you as a student with an interest in science but uncertain as to which area you want to pursue in depth. Perhaps you do not want to specialise at all.

More employers are looking for graduates with broad experience and expertise in a number of disciplines, along with the vital transferable skills of communication, IT and teamwork. If you aspire to these qualities, this flexible, challenging and multidisciplinary programme is for you.

The Natural Sciences programme is hosted by the School of Biosciences but involves contributions from departments in both the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. All of the schools are active in research in their areas and offer you expert teaching in your Major subjects. Because Natural Science students study in so many different areas of the campus, this programme has a special ‘home’ in the form of the Base Room. Here you will meet up with students who study different subjects, and mix with students from other year groups.

Course structure

Students choose two Major subjects from a wide range of sciences; these are supplemented by a choice of Minor subjects. The course is designed to allow you to study aspects of your Major subjects in depth, and a particular strength of the Natural Sciences programme is that it encourages you to pursue topics at the interface between them. These areas that cut across the traditional disciplines are often those where major scientific advances are currently being made.

This flexible programme allows you to retain breadth into the final year or to opt for more specialised study in one of your Major subjects. You will have a tutor for each of your Major subjects to guide and support you in your studies.

The Major subjects

The Major subjects offered are:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Earth Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology

Examples of Major subject combinations that work well:

  • In the Physical Sciences, combine Physics with Earth Sciences or Mathematics
  • Rapid advances in molecular science mean that combinations from among Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science are particularly relevant
  • If you are a biologist with an interest in evolutionary processes or ecology, consider Biology with Earth Sciences
  • Psychology and Biology is a combination that works well, or if you prefer the numbers game, Psychology with Mathematics

We have a wide variety of Minor subjects available. Popular selections in recent years have included a modern language (French, German, Spanish, Mandarin), Psychology, Pharmacology, or Sports Sciences. You may also choose a Minor subject from one of the other Majors.

Their ‘with Study in Continental Europe’ option enables you to combine your scientific studies with a modern language and experience of studying abroad.

First year

You take two Major subjects, plus one Minor, together with skills modules in IT, Communications and Statistics.As it would be impossible to study the whole of each of your Major subjects to degree level, we have designed pathways through the subjects which enable you to study aspects of each subject in depth.

Second year

You can develop your Major studies further and either continue with the same Minor or begin a new one.

Third year

You can specialise further in your final year and in some subjects you have the possibility of studying one Major full-time. You will also do a research project or dissertation, joining a research team in one of the contributing departments.

Year abroad

If you opt for the four-year Natural Sciences with Study in Continental Europe degree, your third year will be taken at a Continental university and consists of a flexible combination of science and language. Ongoing tutorial support is given during your year abroad.

Teaching and assessment

You will be taught in lectures, tutorials, laboratory and computer classes – as appropriate for your chosen disciplines. Tutorials and laboratory classes offer you plenty of opportunity to mix with staff and other students and you will have a personal tutor as well as an academic in both of your Major subjects. We assess your progress through assignments, essays and examinations.

Career opportunities

The academic challenge, independent reasoning and lateral thinking skills developed by your Natural Sciences degree give you professional opportunities in science-based and other industries. Employers value the breadth and independence of Natural Science graduates.

Former students have moved on to careers in a range of professions such as scientific consultancy, marketing, IT, and in the business sector. Many progress to studying for a PhD, as the interdisciplinary nature of the degree prepares them well for a research career. If you choose the ‘with Study in Continental Europe’ option you add yet another layer of aptitude and experience at an international level.

Entry requirements

  • Number of A levels required: 3
  • Typical offer: AAB
  • Required subjects and grades: at least two science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics but see also Major subject admissions requirements. For Natural Sciences with Study in Continental Europe a minimum of GCSE grade B in the appropriate modern language is required.
  • General Studies: not accepted, but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34 points including the appropriate Science and Mathematics subject prerequisites at HL with a minimum of 5 points

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Additional information

  1. Major subject admissions requirements (minimum):
    • Biochemistry – A level Chemistry grade B
    • Biology – A level Biology grade B
    • Chemistry – A level Chemistry grade B
    • Mathematics – A level Mathematics grade B
    • Physics – A level Physics grade B and A level Mathematics grade B (or a minimum of grade B in AS Pure Mathematics)
  2. A course booklet is available – email: naturalsciences-admissions@bham.ac.uk

Contact details

For general information about open days

Main University Switchboard

  • Postal address: The University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    United Kingdom
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

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