Natural Sciences BSc

Program Overview

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It emphasizes hands-on research experience, a close-knit community, and the development of independent researchers equipped with skills for a wide range of careers in and beyond natural sciences.

Program Outline

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BSc Natural Sciences - University of Exeter

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Degree Overview:

This program is a true Natural Sciences degree designed to allow students to explore all scientific disciplines without predefined pathways or boundaries. It emphasizes hands-on research experience, with many students publishing their work as early as their second year. The program fosters a close-knit community of scientists and encourages students to develop their own ideas and become independent researchers. It aims to contribute to understanding critical global issues like climate change, aging societies, food security, and urbanization.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Mathematics and Computing: Integrative Tools for Natural Sciences (30 credits):
Introduces students to interdisciplinary research, ideas, and philosophy that form the basis of Natural Sciences.
• Foundations in Natural Science (60 credits): Provides a comprehensive foundation in the core principles of Natural Sciences.
• Experimental Science (15 credits): Offers practical experience in the lab, complementing lectures with a series of experiments.
• Frontiers in Science 1 (15 credits): Explores cutting-edge research and advancements in various scientific fields.

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Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Frontiers in Science 2 (30 credits):
Continues the exploration of current scientific research and advancements.
• Optional Modules:
• A wide range of optional modules from across physics, biology, maths, and natural sciences are available, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests.

• Up to 30 credits may be taken from other relevant University modules, with agreement from the student's Personal Tutor.

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Final Year:

• Compulsory Modules:
• BSc Research Project (30 credits):
Students work on current research projects within one of the University's research groups.
• Group Project (30 credits): Students work in teams to complete a project of their choosing, often involving scientific research, outreach, widening participation, or promoting gender equality in science.
• Optional Modules:
• A wide range of optional modules from across physics, biology, maths, and natural sciences are available, allowing students to further specialize their studies.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary across years and modules and may include coursework, exams, written reports, and presentations.

• Students must pass their first-year assessment to progress to the second year, but these results do not count towards their degree classification.

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by internationally respected scientists who are passionate about research and teaching.

• Students benefit from a research-inspired culture and are encouraged to engage in discussions about the latest scientific ideas in seminars and tutorials.

• Learning methods include practical work, problem-solving, project work, teamwork, and research projects.

• Coursework forms a component of most modules, focusing on developing mathematical and analytical skills.

• Students are expected to undertake independent and self-motivated study, with an average workload of 40 hours per week during term time.

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Careers:

• The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to contribute to scientific research and development.

• Graduates are highly employable and have found positions in a variety of roles, including laboratory-based positions, industry, law, business, management, teaching, and government.

• The broad-based skills acquired during the degree provide a strong foundation for a wide range of careers, both within and outside of the natural sciences.

• Examples of roles recent graduates have held include Academic Researcher, Auditor, Bioinformatics Research Assistant, Consultant, Financial Analyst, Policy Adviser, Research and Development Scientist, Risk Culture Business Analyst, Software Engineer, and Trainee Operational Meteorologist.

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Other:

• Students can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of their course each year, which can enhance their employability and broaden their intellectual horizons.

• Students can achieve proficiency in a second subject, such as a foreign language, data science, entrepreneurship, innovation, law, leadership, or social data science, which can be added to their degree title upon graduation.

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UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £29,700 per year