Natural Sciences Tripos
Preparing for the first year 2011-12
General Information
The word "Tripos" is simply the way that Cambridge says "study course". The Natural Sciences Tripos prides itself on being one of the broadest courses of study available to undergraduates studying science. It is jointly run by sixteen Departments of the University and has an exceptionally flexible system allowing you to tailor your time at Cambridge towards the particular subjects you wish to study.
That doesn't mean that you cover them in any less depth - students will achieve the same standard and depth in their final year as graduates from narrower courses elsewhere. You get to learn a lot more besides! If it sounds like hard work, don't be put off. The Cambridge teaching system is very supportive - talk to a few students to find out more.
What subjects can I study?
In the first year, Part IA, of the Natural Sciences you read FOUR subjects from those listed below. You take THREE experimental subjects and one mathematical subject. Most combinations of subjects are permitted but you will not be able to take Biology of Cells AND Computer Science.
Experimental Subjects
|
Mathematics
|
*The Mathematics course (which includes a module on Scientific Computing) is run in two streams (A and B) which run simultaneously and cover the same core material. The A course covers less ground and has a lower level of mathematical sophistication than the B course. The B course proceeds more rapidly and at greater depth. In general, the B course may be more suited to you if you have taken double Mathematics at A-level or an equivalent qualification.
Links to all of these courses are available.
The timetable
Lectures
Lectures are scheduled between 9:00 and 1:00 Monday to Saturdays. All courses are lectured three times weekly, on a two-day cycle. You are expected to attend all three lectures in each subject every week (twelve lectures in all).
| Mon, Wed, Fri | Tue, Thu, Sat | |
|---|---|---|
| 9-10 | Physics EMB |
Mathematics MB |
| 10-11 | Biology of Cells Computer Science |
Chemistry |
| 11-12 | Earth Sciences | Evolution and Behaviour |
| 12-1 | Materials Science | Physiology of Organisms |
Location of lectures
The location of the FIRST lecture in the Michaelmas Term for each of the courses is listed below:
| Biology of Cells | Babbage Lecture Theatre, New Museums Site |
| Chemistry | Bristol-Myers Squibb Lecture Theatre, Department of Chemistry |
| Computer Science | Room A, Arts School, Bene't Street |
| Elementary Mathematics for Biologists | Lecture Theatre A, Arts School, Bene't Street |
| Earth Sciences | Physiology Lecture Theatre, adjacent to the Department of Earth Sciences |
| Evolution and Behaviour | Main Lecture Theatre, Department of Zoology |
| Materials Science | Main Lecture Theatre, Department of Zoology |
| Mathematical Biology | Main Lecture Theatre, Department of Zoology |
| Mathematics | Course A - Bristol-Myers Squibb Lecture Theatre, Department of Chemistry Course B - Room A, Arts School, Bene't Street |
| Physics | Bristol-Myers Squibb Lecture Theatre, Department of Chemistry |
| Physiology of Organisms | Physiology Main Lecture Theatre |
Practical classes
You will be expected to undertake practical work in each subject. The subjects vary in the way in which practical classes are scheduled and you will be told more about each subject in either your first lecture or the first scheduled practical class. Practical registration will be done on your behalf by your College - and you should receive an email before lectures start with a complete lecture and practical class timetable. It is important to wait until you know when your practical classes are, before you arrange any supervisions.
Supervisions
Supervisions are small-group teaching sessions arranged through your College. Most supervisions are taught by a member of your College and in groups of two or three. This is your opportunity to go over again material from the lectures and practical classes and clarify any points you are unclear of. Make the most of your supervisions - ask questions and discuss areas that you need further help in. This is your best chance at learning and understanding new things.
Your College Director of Studies should provide you with substantial support in arranging supervisions for each subject you are reading. He or she will also review periodically your performance based on reports made by each of your supervisors. This normally happens once a term.
NST Induction Lecture
At the start of your first term, before any lecture, there is a brief introduction to the Tripos which includes some tips and pointers about how to address the workload and teaching styles for the Natural Sciences Tripos. For 2011, this induction lecture is being held concurrently on two different sites.
If you are reading TWO or more of the following subjects, you should attend Session A:
Biology of Cells; Earth Sciences; Evolution and Behaviour; and Physiology of Organisms.
Otherwise you should attend Session B.
Wednesday 5 October: 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Session A: Babbage Lecture Theatre (New Museums Site)
Session B: Bristol-Myers-Squibb Lecture Theatre (Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road)
Calculators, lab coats and safety glasses
Most equipment and materials for practical classes will be provided free of charge: there are, however, some items which you may need to purchase and you will be advised of these in the appropriate course documentation.
All students reading subjects from the Natural Sciences Tripos are likely to need to buy a University-approved calculator and a lab coat.
- Lab coats can be purchased from the Part IA laboratory in the Department of Chemistry on Lensfield Road (10.00 am - 4.30 pm on Wednesday 5th October) or Biopath Stores, Hopkins Building on the Downing Site (11.00 am - 5.00 pm on Wednesday 5th October). They cost about £10 - payment by cash or cheque only.
- Safety glasses are a requirement for certain practical classes and it is recommended that you purchase your own pair. Safety glasses will be available for sale at the same time as lab coats at a cost of about £3. If you are taking Chemistry you should purchase your glasses from the Department of Chemistry.
- For Natural Sciences Tripos examinations Parts IA, IB, II and III (where a calculator is allowed), you will be permitted to use only the standard University calculator CASIO fx 115 (any version), CASIO fx 570 (any version) or CASIO fx 991 (any version). Each such calculator must be marked in the approved fashion.
Standard University calculators, CASIO fx 991ES, marked in the approved fashion, will be on sale at the beginning of Full Michaelmas Term 2011 at £14 each as follows:
- Board of Examinations Office, 10 Peas Hill
- Department of Chemistry, Part IA laboratory preparation room
You are strongly advised to purchase a calculator at the beginning of Full Michaelmas Term from one of the centres named above.
Students already possessing a CASIO fx 115 (any version), CASIO fx 570 (any version), or CASIO fx 991 (any version) will be able to have it marked appropriately, at no cost, at one of the above centres.
Further information
All Part IA subjects have web sites - links to these can be found in the right-hand panel
Students will also be automatically registered in CamTools, an online learning support environment.
The title of this document is:
Natural Sciences Tripos: Preparing for the first year
URL:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/students/first.html