Faculty of Science
The Faculty provides a variety of modular programmes leading to an Honours degree in Pure Science (BSc, MChem, MMath, MPhys or MSci). The principal award is the four-year BSc (Bachelor of Science) Honours degree with an additional year needed to obtain an enhanced Honours degree. Suitably well-qualified candidates with appropriate qualifications may be offered entry directly into the second year and thereby obtain an Honours degree in three years or an MChem or MPhys in four.
BSc (Bachelor of Science) Honours (Pure Science)
Duration: 4 years
Credits: 480 credits
At the end of their second year, students may be admitted to a two year Honours programme (which usually requires a grade of at least 11 in the relevant Second level modules).
Many entrant students change their minds about their choice of Honours programme between the time of completing the UCAS form and coming to university. By making a careful selection of first year subjects, the final choice of an Honours programme can usually be delayed until the beginning, or sometimes the end, of second year. For example, a First level combination of modules in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics can lead to no fewer than 11 Single or Joint Honours programmes in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Theoretical Physics.
For a student who can bypass one of the introductory modules the range is even greater. If, for instance, First level Chemistry I: Foundation is replaced by First level Cell Biology & Genetics, a further eight Single and Joint Honours programmes become available.
MSci (Master in Science) Honours
Duration: 5 years
Credits: 600 credits
MChem (Master in Chemistry) Honours
Duration: 5 / 4 years (entry directly into second year is possible)
Credits: 600 credits
MPhys (Master in Physics) Honours
Duration: 5 /4 years (entry directly into second year is possible)
Credits: 600 credits
MMath (Master of Mathematics) Honours
Duration: 4 years
Credits: 600 credits
BSc General Bachelor of Science (Pure Science)
Duration: 3 years
Credits: 360 credits
First Level Modules
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Economics
- French (for Scientists)
- Geography
- Geoscience
- German (for Scientists)
- Information Technology
- Italian (for Scientists)
- Logic & Philosophy of Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Spanish (for Scientists)
- Statistics
- Sustainable Development
In First year the choice is considerable allowing students to expand their interests by taking new subjects, some of which require no previous knowledge. In particular, those who have good entry qualifications in Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics need not take the introductory modules in these subjects to continue further with them, and may take other First level modules instead.
It is also possible to replace up to two First level Science modules with modules taken in another Faculty. Entry to most Second level modules is obtained by passing certain First level modules. However, suitably well-qualified candidates with appropriate qualifications may be offered direct entry to Second level modules and thereby obtain an Honours degree in three years or an MChem or MPhys in four.
Adviser of Studies
All undergraduates in the Faculty are assigned to an Adviser of Studies whom they must see at the start of each semester to discuss their choices and have them approved. Advisers are also available for consultation at other times and are always ready to discuss any academic and other problems that may arise.
Second Level Modules
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Economics
- French (for Scientists)
- GeographyGeoscience
- German (for Scientists)
- Information Technology
- Interdisciplinary Science
- Logic & Philosophy of Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Science Ethics
- Spanish (for Scientists)
- Statistics
- Sustainable Development
Notes:
Degrees of Master in Science (Pure Science), Master in Chemistry, Master of Mathematics and Master in Physics are enhanced taught Honours degrees like the BSc. They involve a more intense study of the subjects at Honours level and a high standard of performance in Second level modules is required of students seeking to gain entry into the Honours stages of these programmes.