Program Overview
The Natural Sciences BSc Hons program at the University of Nottingham offers students flexibility and interdisciplinary knowledge. In the first year, students explore three subjects and choose two to specialize in for the remaining years. The program emphasizes practical skills, research, and self-reliance, preparing graduates for diverse careers in science and beyond. It is accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences, providing recognition for its strength in interdisciplinary science education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Natural Sciences BSc Hons program at the University of Nottingham allows students to study a combination of science subjects, gaining experience in multiple fields before specializing later in the degree. Students choose a combination of three subjects (called a stream) in their first year and study two subjects to degree level from their second year onwards. The program offers flexibility, allowing students to focus on their interests, develop a wide range of knowledge and skills, and understand how scientific disciplines fit together.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Students study three subjects equally, choosing a subject stream in early September.
- Subject streams include combinations of Archaeology, Biology, Cancer Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Science, Ecosystems and Environment, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.
Year 2:
- Students choose two of their first-year subjects and continue studying them in greater depth.
- Some subjects allow further specialization through optional modules and specialisms, enabling students to tailor their program to their interests.
- Students spend more time developing practical skills through field work, practical computing, and laboratory classes.
Year 3:
- Students continue studying their two chosen subjects at a more advanced level.
- They have even more flexibility through optional modules to explore their own interests and focus on specialist areas within each subject.
- Students can opt to do a major/minor split to study more of their preferred subject.
- Emphasis is placed on self-reliance and applying what students have learned in previous years into practice.
- Students take a 20-credit synoptic project that provides a broader view of science and its communication, tying together different subjects through a collaborative group project.
Assessment:
- Marking criteria are available for each subject, and different types of work are assessed in first-year skills workshops.
- Work is marked in a timely manner with regular feedback.
- The pass mark for each module is 40%.
- The final degree classification is based on marks gained for the second and subsequent years of study.
Teaching:
- Students learn through a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, problem classes, field courses, independent study, and placements.
- Teaching is provided by academic staff within the relevant school, with additional support from staff, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers in small group and practical classes.
Careers:
- Graduates have gone on to work in various roles within and outside of science, including as lab scientists, commercial oncology graduates, bioinformaticians, and DevOps/Platform Engineers.
- Approximately a third pursue careers in the science sector, while another third apply their skills to other sectors, such as finance, management, sales, logistics, and the civil service.
- The remaining graduates pursue further study in science specialisms.
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences, recognizing the strength of the degree for students in interdisciplinary science education.
- Students can transfer to other programs, such as international study programs or placement year programs, within the first two years of the course.
- The Nottingham Internship Scheme provides paid work experience opportunities and internships throughout the year.
- The Nottingham Advantage Award is a free scheme to boost employability, offering over 200 extracurricular activities.
- NatSci Soc organizes events throughout the year, including sports activities, social events, and an annual boat party.
