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Programmes in Natural Sciences 2020/1


UXXX-AFM01: MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Physics with Biology stream)

Leading to the award of MASTER IN SCIENCE IN NATURAL SCIENCES

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Normal programme duration: 4 years


Click here for further information Possible DAPs for this programme:

Please see your programme handbook for circumstances where transfer to DAP may be permitted/required.

  

Click here for further informationPossible exit awards for this programme:



Natural Sciences students must take units totaling 60 credits in each programme year, usually comprising five blocks of 12 credits each, although some final year projects are worth 18 or 24 credits. Students must choose a major subject stream to follow and must take two blocks of units in this major subject each year. For further information on the structure of the programme, please see the Natural Sciences Course Guide.

Year 1: Part 1 Stage 1

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 15 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 16 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view.
  • Part 1 Stage 1 of this programme contributes 0% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following in Year 1:
  1. Laboratory and skills endorsement unit XX10238;
  2. All units in blocks Ls1.1, P1.1 and M1.1;
  3. One Biology option: BB10265 in Ecology block B1.1 or BB10266 in Plant Sciences block B1.2.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory skills unit (Designated Essential Unit)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX10238 Laboratory and skills endorsement 0 credits       [equivalent to 0 CATS credits] Further information on credits

Compulsory units for Biology Ls1.1, Mathematics block M1.1 and Physics blocks P1.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY BB10264 Cell biology 12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits] Further information on credits
AY PH10007 Mathematical methods for physics 1 12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S1 PH10002 Properties of matter 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S1 PH10005 Vibrations, waves & optics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH10001 Introduction to quantum physics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH10006 Electricity & magnetism 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Biology block B1.1/2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY BB10265 Ecology & evolution 12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits] Further information on credits
AY BB10266 The life of Earth 12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 2: Part 2 Stage 2

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 23 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 24 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view.
  • Part 2 Stage 2 of this programme contributes 16% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. All units in blocks M2.1 and P2.1
  2. Two Biology blocks from: Ecology block B2.1, Plant Science block B2.2, Molecular Biology block 2.3, Genomics block B2.4 and Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B2.5 (subject to pre-requisites)

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory units for Mathematics block M2.1 and Physics block P2.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY PH20107 Mathematical methods for physics 2 12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S1 PH20060 Quantum & atomic physics [WL] 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S1 PH20067 Thermal physics (WL) 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH20061 Electromagnetism 1 [WL] 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH20063 Condensed matter physics 1 [WL] 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Cell Biology block B2.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20024 The dynamic cell 1 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB20160 The dynamic cell 2 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B2.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20149 Molecular genetics of vertebrate development 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB20028 Molecular and cellular neuroscience 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Ecology block B2.1

Students choosing this block must take BB20040 in Semester 1 and either BB20173 or BB20226 in Semester 2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20040 Concepts in evolution 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB20173 Behaviour & ecology 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB20226 Portugal field course 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Plant Science block B2.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20032 Plant symbiosis & pathology 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB20031 Plant biotechnology 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Genomics block B2.4
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20219 Genomics 1 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB20220 Genomics 2 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 3: Part 2 Stage 3

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 23 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 24 PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view.
  • Part 2 Stage 3 of this programme contributes 34% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. 18 credits in each semester from Physics blocks P3.1 and P3.2 (including compulsory units PH30028, PH30030, PH30035, and PH30077)
  2. Two blocks of Biology options (B3.1, B3.2, B3.3, B3.4 and B3.5) (subject to pre-requisites)
  3. Further information on DoS approved options Director of Studies approved option allowed: Students may be permitted to take Director of Studies approved units as an alternative to a maximum of 12 credits during this programme year.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Select 6 credits from this list in Semester 2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 PH20018 Programming skills 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH30032 Laser physics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH30078 Magnetism 3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH30079 Superconductivity 3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH30098 Networks 3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits] Further information on credits

Compulsory units for Physics blocks P3.1 & P3.2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PH30028 Condensed matter physics 2 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S1 PH30035 Medical physics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S1 PH30030 Quantum mechanics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH30077 Electromagnetism 2 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Ecology block B3.1

Students choosing this block must take BB30208 in Semester 1 and either BB30131 or BB30132 in Semester 2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30208 Evolutionary quantitative genetics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB30131 Evolution in deep time 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB30132 Sexual conflict 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Plant Science block B3.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30129 Sensory and signalling networks in plants 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB40140 Plant biotechnology & the environment 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Cell Biology block B3.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30045 Cell membranes 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB30161 Systems and developmental neurobiology 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B3.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30044 Molecular & medical neuroscience 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB30067 Advanced developmental genetics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Genomics block B3.4
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30231 Human genomics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB30169 Concepts in systems biology 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 4: Part 3 Stage 4

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 27 (Section B)PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 28 (Section B)PDF format -requires Acrobat Reader to view.
  • Part 3 Stage 4 of this programme contributes 50% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. Physics project unit PH40065
  2. 18 credits from the combination of blocks P4.1 and P4.2 (including PH40024 which is compulsory);
  3. Two blocks of Biology options (B4.1, B4.2, B4.3, B4.4 and B4.5) (subject to pre-requisites).
  4. Further information on DoS approved options Director of Studies approved option allowed: Students may be permitted to take Director of Studies approved units as an alternative to a maximum of 12 credits during this programme year.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Select 12 credits in Semester 2 for blocks P4.1 & P4.2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 PH40084 Advanced quantum theory 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH40085 Nanoscience 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 PH40086 Photonics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits

Compulsory units for Physics blocks P4.1 & P4.2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY PH40065 Final year project (MSci) 18 credits       [equivalent to 36 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S1 PH40024 Contemporary physics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B4.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40082 Frontiers of neuroscience 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S1 BB40102 Molecular mechanisms of disease 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB40164 Modern methods of researching neurodegeneration 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Genomics block B4.4
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40134 Molecular phylogenetics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB40117 Microbial evolution - from the laboratory to nature 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Cell Biology block B4.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40102 Molecular mechanisms of disease 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB40118 Current topics in gene regulation and cell differentiation 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Plant Science block B4.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 BB40133 Plant responses to abiotic stress 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Optional units: Ecology block B4.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40128 The evolution of genetic systems 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S1 BB40134 Molecular phylogenetics 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB40117 Microbial evolution - from the laboratory to nature 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB40193 Sexual conflict 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits
S2 BB40195 Conservation biology 6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] Further information on credits


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.