Natural Sciences Years 3 & 4: Parts II & III
Your choice of a broad curriculum or degree course specialisms
A broad curriculum or specialise
In Part II, students can retain a broad study of science though most pursue a single subject from a wide choice to a depth matching that of single science degrees at other universities. (Some Part II subjects have limited space.) Specialising in Part II is appropriate if you wish to continue to a fourth year (Part III) and progression to Part III is dependent on a satisfactory level of performance.
| "Natural Sciences has so many options, it is hard not to find interesting ones. Specialising or generalising in the Tripos is easy and the only limits on what you can do are your own likes and dislikes." – Isabel |
At these levels you study to the edge of what's known. In Part I much of the material covered can be found in textbooks. From Part II you read research papers with less well established facts and theories, requiring you to weigh up the evidence.
Lectures in Parts II and III are given by staff actively researching the topics being covered, many of whom are world leaders in their fields, and by expert guest speakers. You also gain considerable research experience in our extremely well–equipped laboratories, using state–of–the–art technology. Practical work is exploratory and open–ended, and most students carry out a significant research project which is assessed as part of the final examination.
- A broad curriculum
- Pursue a specialism
A broad curriculum
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
This option maintains a breadth of study by combining elements from different subjects. You take a major subject in a biological option and a minor subject from options in biology, biological anthropology, education, sociology and the history and philosophy of science. A written dissertation replaces the practical laboratory–based research project. This route is suited to those who wish to pursue career paths outside scientific research, and to Medicine and Veterinary Medicine students who don’t wish to take a single subject in their third year.
Physical Sciences
This option allows you to continue your studies in a chosen discipline and either retain or pick up another subject. You essentially take half of one of the Part II Physical Sciences subjects (Chemistry, Geological Sciences, Materials Science or Physics) alongside a further subject from those offered in Part IB, and write a dissertation.
Pursue a specialism
Astrophysics
Part II Astrophysics acquaints you with a range of contemporary astrophysics topics including relativity theory, astrophysical fluid dynamics, statistical physics, physical cosmology, the structure and evolution of stars, stellar dynamics, and the structure of galaxies. In addition, you can explore an issue in current astronomy in an extended essay or offer a computational project.
Part III students choose from a variety of options offered in Part III of the Mathematics course and papers offered by the Department of Physics, which take them to the forefront of research. A substantial project gives the opportunity to undertake original research.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of living organisms at the molecular and cellular level. Part II is broadly–based and is devoted to the structure and function of macromolecules, gene expression, and molecular aspects of cell structure and function, discussed in the context of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. A one–term research project can be laboratory, computer or literature–based. Part III features a two–term research project carried out alongside a research team directed by a leading scientist. Some coursework continues, including lectures and seminars on research skills, and discussion of advanced papers on topical areas of biochemistry.
Chemistry
Parts II and III Chemistry cover a wide range of topics which are the subject of research in our internationally–renowned Department. After studying core material which builds on the foundations from Part IB, you have the opportunity to specialise. Options available are very diverse and range from synthetic organic chemistry to atmospheric science, and from theoretical chemistry to chemical biology.
In Part III, you join a research group from the Department and work on your own project for two terms. For many students, this engagement with real research is the highlight of the course.
Genetics
Genetics provides a conceptual framework that unites all biology disciplines. Part II Genetics aims to give a broad understanding of the field – from how genetic information is passed from generation to generation, how genes work and control the development and behaviour of organisms, through to the evolutionary and ecological processes that give rise to genetic change. The most enjoyable parts for many are the independent library and practical projects. More informal sessions examine important papers in the field and explore the social aspects, and implications, of genetic knowledge.
Geological Sciences
Parts II and III Geological Sciences explore how the Earth works, and enables you to develop independent critical and research skills. Some specialisation is possible within the main subject areas of tectonics and geophysics, petrology, climate science and surface processes, palaeobiology and mineral sciences. Part II features an independent mapping project and a field course in Greece. The fourth year involves a major research project and culminates in a field trip to Spain. Part III is excellent preparation for a research career in industry or academia.
History and Philosophy of Science
This subject gives an insight into the historical development of the sciences, technology and medicine, their philosophical structure and sociological dynamics. It provides essential resources for understanding some of the most significant institutions in the world. In Part II, you choose options from a range offered, and write essays based on Primary Sources seminars and an optional dissertation based on your own research. Part III students write four essays and a dissertation. The core teaching is the weekly seminar, which also gives students the opportunity to present their own work.
Materials Science
Materials Science is a key discipline in today's world, based in the physical sciences but with links to the biological sciences and branches of engineering. Part II focuses on the links between the processing, structure and properties of numerous materials classes. Practicals and projects introduce analytical tools and computational techniques. Part III concentrates on recent developments, with core papers highlighting modern experimental techniques, and a range of optional topics which focus on cutting-edge research. A major research project is an important component of Part III.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience provides an integrated account of the neurosciences; from the molecular events within cells, and the electrical and chemical interactions between cells in the nervous system, to the behaviour of the whole animal or person. Options cover Developmental Neurobiology, Molecular Neurobiology, Sensory Transduction, Central Mechanisms of Sensation and Behaviour, Control of Action, Memory and Higher Functions, and Neural Degeneration and Regeneration. Seminars enable you to present and discuss research papers and technical workshops provide practical experience. You also work in a laboratory on an experimental research project of your choice.
Pathology
Pathology combines numerous biological disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics and cell biology with the study of topics such as human genetic disease, cancer, heart disease, the immune system, parasites, and vaccines. You choose two of the following: Cellular and Genetic Pathology, Dynamics of Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Microbial and Parasitic Disease, and Virology. The Department is a major centre of research in medical science, and an important element of the course is a project in which you join a research group.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of the interactions of chemical substances with living systems. Part II covers contemporary topics taken to the level of current research. At the cellular level, subjects covered include intracellular messengers, ion channels and transporters, anti-cancer drugs, and the structure and function of receptors. Higher level topics include strategies for drug discovery, the use of drugs to suppress the immune response, the control of neurodegenerative disease, and the scientific basis for drug treatment of neurosis. A research project enables you to join an active research group.
Physics, Experimental and Theoretical
In Part II, you attain graduate level knowledge in the core areas of electrodynamics, relativity, advanced quantum theory, and statistical physics. Options available cover Particle and Nuclear Physics, Quantum Condensed Matter Physics, Astrophysical Fluids, and Soft Condensed Matter Physics.
Part III options reflect the Department's research interests. For example, astrophysics and radio astronomy; experimental particle physics at CERN; condensed matter physics including semiconductor physics; polymers, colloid and biological polymers; collective phenomena including superconductivity and the theory of condensed matter. You also undertake a substantial project within a research group.
Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
Physiology, Development and Neuroscience are broad but interlinked subjects. In Part II, you focus your study on Development and Reproductive Biology, Integrative Physiology or Neuroscience, or combine topics from all three. Current options include: Cell Assembly and Interactions; Molecular Neuroscience; Developmental Neurobiology; Fetal and Placental Physiology; Control of Action; Genomics and the Future of Medicine; Neural Degeneration and Regeneration; Systems and Clinical Physiology; Central Mechanisms of Sensation and Behaviour; and Learning, Memory and Cognition. You take part in cutting-edge research during a two-term research project.
Plant Sciences
Plants are increasingly the focus of key global issues: how to feed an expanding global population and maintain biodiversity in the face of climate change. The Department's research and expertise inform teaching across the subject; from molecular systems, biochemistry, and physiology, to ecology of plant and microbial processes. Molecular biology underpins many of our interests from plant pathology and development to synthetic biology and epidemiology. Part II allows you to specialise in areas of your choice, concentrating on molecular and cellular subjects or ecological options. You also undertake a one-term research project and extended essay.
Psychology
Experimental Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. Part II enables you to pursue interests within comparative and evolutionary psychology or human psychology. You choose from options on Cognitive and Experimental Psychology; British Psychological Societyas conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Membership, provided the minimum of a Second Class Honours is achieved.
Systems Biology (Part III only)
Genome sequencing has provided us with inventories of the working parts of living organisms, and much effort is going into exploring the functions of these parts. Systems Biology determines how parts interact to make a working organism. With thousands of cellular components, the way such interaction networks behave, and are controlled, is very complex. Therefore, computer models are needed to describe the networks and predict their performance. Systems Biology comprises lectures, computer–based practicals, seminars, and a research project, where you work alongside leaders in the field.
Zoology
Zoology at Cambridge encompasses aspects of biological science ranging from cells, molecules and genes, to behaviour, ecosystems and evolution. Particular strengths of the Department include molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, animal behaviour, molecular approaches to evolution, palaeontology, physiological ecology, population biology, and conservation science. In Part II Zoology, you choose options from these areas to create a course most suited to your interests and skills. Alongside lectures and seminars, you carry out research projects working with leading scientists in these fields.