Undergraduate Admissions

Natural Sciences Year 2: Part IB

Follow–up previous studies, explore new areas, begin to specialise, but flexibility is still key

In the second year (Part IB), you normally choose three of the following subjects, though for timetabling reasons not all combinations are possible. Some of these subjects build directly on Part IA subjects and some introduce what are essentially new areas.

In deciding on a combination of subjects to study in Part IB, most students choose subjects which complement and reinforce one another, and which lead on to at least a couple of possible options in their third year.


[top]

Animal Biology

This option is about animals – their evolution and diversity, and the methods we use to study them. It gives an overview of how the form, function and behaviour of animals are adapted to their lifestyle and their environment. The subject comprises sections on Behaviour and Ecology, Brains and Behaviour, Insect Biology, Vertebrate Evolutionary Biology, and Evolutionary Principles, taught by lecturers who are actively researching in these fields. The breadth of topics and approaches allow a wide range of choice for further study.

[top]

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

This option studies biological processes at the molecular and cellular level, and builds on basic concepts discussed in Part IA Biology of Cells. The aims of the option are to describe how information is stored as DNA and expressed as specific proteins, how enzymes and other proteins exert their functions, how cells function as integrated and co–ordinated metabolic systems, and how the growth and differentiation of cells is controlled. Practical work is designed to complement the lectures.

[top]

Cell and Developmental Biology

This option introduces some of the major ideas and current experimental approaches in the rapidly advancing field of cell and developmental biology, and illustrates how molecular approaches complement classical cell biology in determining the details of how cells carry out their basic processes. The subject aims to consolidate and extend your basic knowledge of how cells work and interact, and how they differentiate. It provides a framework for further study of molecular, cellular and developmental biology in the third year.

[top]

Chemistry A

Chemistry A focuses mainly on the theories used to understand and probe chemical bonding, structures and reactions. The option starts by introducing quantum mechanics, which is the fundamental theory used by chemists to understand the behaviour of atoms and molecules at the microscopic level. You also look at how symmetry is a powerful aid in describing the behaviour of molecules. The subject goes on to discuss the way in which the microscopic properties of atoms and molecules influence the properties of bulk matter, and concludes with a discussion of the properties and chemistry of solid materials.

[top]

Chemistry B

Chemistry B focuses mainly on organic, inorganic and biological chemistry. The emphasis is on how an understanding of the structures of molecules and the mechanisms of reactions can help to rationalise a very diverse range of chemistry. The option covers the carbon–based chemistry which is so important in the development of pharmaceutical and other products which have revolutionised modern life. You also study the huge diversity of compounds and structures that are the domain of inorganic chemistry. The subject closes with an exploration of biological chemistry – the chemical processes which are the basis of life.

[top]

Ecology

Ecology introduces a variety of approaches to the study of the relationships between plants, animals and the environment. It begins with a critical exposition of the characteristics of selected marine, freshwater and terrestrial systems. The impacts of humans are considered particularly in the context of global climate change and aerial pollution. Lectures on ecological genetics and ecological dynamics are followed by an overview of the world's biodiversity, its origin and maintenance. The option ends with an investigation of the importance of humans in ecology.

[top]

Experimental Psychology

Experimental Psychology provides a comprehensive coverage of the study of the mind, brain and behaviour, with an emphasis on experimental and observational methods of investigation. Topics covered in the first term include sensory processes and perception, with special emphasis on vision and hearing; attention and the control of action; and learning and memory. The remainder of the option covers language and cognitive processes, cognitive and social development, intelligence (and its measurement), reasoning and problem–solving, cognitive neuropsychology, psychopathology, and social psychology. Lectures are supplemented by practical classes.

[top]

Geological Sciences A

This option covers the surface environments of the Earth – the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere – together with their geological products. It encompasses sedimentology, palaeobiology and oceanography, and covers tectonics on scales from lithospheric plates to hand specimens, emphasising the processes that form and deform sedimentary basins. There's a field course in south west England in the Easter vacation. Geological Sciences A is sufficient preparation for Part II Geological Sciences, although taking both Geological Sciences A and B is preferable.

[top]

Geological Sciences B

Geological Sciences B deals with subsurface Earth processes, including the physics and chemistry of volcanic eruptions, magma chambers and melt generation. You study the geochemistry of the deep Earth and solar system, and how rocks respond to changes in pressures and temperatures in different tectonic settings. Practicals involve maps, microscopes and calculations, and there's a field trip to Cornwall. It's possible to do Part II Geological Sciences after taking Geological Sciences B only, but it's preferable to also take Geological Sciences A.

[top]

History and Philosophy of Science

This option offers historical and philosophical perspectives on the sciences and their place in society. A historical survey explores major changes between the Renaissance and the present day and provides cross–cultural perspectives. Topics include astronomy, alchemy, medicine, evolutionary theory, psychoanalysis, the Manhattan Project, DNA, the oral contraceptive pill, and environmental science. The option examines how theories are tested and changed; the nature of causation, laws and explanations; whether science provides an increasingly accurate account of reality; and problems in scientific and biomedical ethics.

[top]

Materials Science

Materials Science looks at advances in materials ranging from metals to polymers and other 'soft materials'. You study how materials function in service, whether a material is likely to degrade through chemical processes and when a structure may be susceptible to failure under the imposed mechanical forces. There's also a focus on the scientific principles of functional materials, such as semiconductors, that have revolutionized society in recent decades. The option is suitable for those wishing to specialise in Materials Science, Physics or Chemistry.

[top]

Mathematics

Mathematics incorporates the following topics: introduction to group theory, more advanced matrix theory, Cartesian tensors, more advanced theory of differential equations (including solution in power series and expansions in characteristic functions), Fourier transforms, calculus of variations, functions of a complex variable, and calculus of residues. Some continually–assessed practical work is associated with particular topics and involves the use of computers to illustrate and exploit numerical techniques. The option is especially useful for students intending to study Experimental and Theoretical Physics or Chemistry at Part II.

[top]

Neurobiology

Lectures and practicals begin at the cellular and molecular level with the electrical and chemical properties of individual neurons, and then examine in turn the major sensory systems. The motor system is explored, including a systems approach to sensorimotor integration, followed by consideration of the development of the nervous system, motivation, emotion, handling of language by the brain, and modulation of synaptic activity. The option ends with lectures on learning, memory and higher functions of the nervous system.

[top]

Pathology

Pathology is concerned with the scientific study of disease, and is one of the foundations of medical science and practice. It encompasses all aspects of disease, including knowledge of the causes and effects of disease, and the organism's response to disease. This option explores the underlying general principles and illustrates them using specific examples. It encompasses a broad range of biological disciplines, including cellular and genetic pathology, immunology, microbiology, parasitology and virology. The lectures are closely integrated with practical sessions.

[top]

Pharmacology

Pharmacology deals with the effects of chemical substances on biological material. The option begins with understanding how receptors work at the molecular level. Following a detailed consideration of synaptic pharmacology, you focus on drugs that influence the function of the central nervous system. Subsequent lectures introduce the use of drugs that produce selective inhibition of bacteria, protozoa and viruses, and discuss drug discovery, cell growth, cancer and anticancer drugs, steroid receptors and reproductive pharmacology. Finally, the molecular characteristics of ion channels are combined with essential physiology to explain drug actions on the heart.

[top]

Physics A

Physics A provides a rigorous grounding in the principal themes of modern physics. The option deals with waves and optical systems and provides substantial teaching in quantum physics and an introduction to the wave theory of quantum condensed matter. A module on experimental methods gives the necessary formal background to support work in the practical classes where experiments are more advanced than those encountered in Part IA. Those students not taking Part IB Mathematics take an additional module in Mathematical Methods.

[top]

Physics B

Physics B lays the foundation for a professional understanding of physics and is built on the three key areas of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics. Practical experiments are more advanced and longer than those encountered in Part IA. All students also take an introductory course in C++ programming, with associated practical exercises. Those students not taking Part IB Mathematics take an additional module in Mathematical Methods.

[top]

Physiology

In this option, you study systems physiology in detail and concentrate on mammals, in particular man. The option builds on knowledge of function at the cellular level to the complex operation of major body systems at the level of the whole organism. Over half of the option is devoted to the study of the major body systems, and the remainder takes an integrated approach to examine how these systems respond to various challenges from the everyday to the extreme. Practical work allows students to study their own physiology.

[top]

Plant and Microbial Sciences

Plant productivity is the basis for Life on Earth and the study of plants and microbes is essential if we're to achieve sustainable exploitation of the biosphere, and deal with issues such as food and fuel security. Plants in their physical environment are considered first, followed by the study of plants and microbes in their biotic environment; and finally, we look at plant ecosystems. The study of Plant and Microbial Science is essential to finding solutions to current problems for the biosphere and its use, including biotechnology, renewable energy and nutrition, and pollution.

"Several other universities offer mixed courses allowing students to study different branches of science simultaneously but Cambridge seemed to be the only one to pursue each in full depth. The result is a fairly heavy workload but also a broad scientific degree and a fantastic array of choice, which makes this course one of the best – if not the very best – science course in the country." – Immanuel