 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|
The Natural Sciences can be broadly divided into Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences, with Chemistry sitting at the interface between both areas. However teaching of the Natural Sciences at Magdalene is unified, with many students reading a combination of both Physical and Biological subjects.
There are three Directors of Studies in the Natural Sciences; Professor Paul Dupree (Biochemistry) and Dr Alex Thom (Chemistry) and Dr Chris Edgecombe (Physics). Between them, they coordinate the teaching of Natural Sciences with Prof Dupree administering the Biological Sciences and Dr Alex Thom the Physical Sciences. Dr Chris Edgecombe is Director of Studies in years 2, 3 and 4 for some physical scientists. In addition to advising undergraduates on courses to be followed, they appoint supervisors for each subject and they may write references for summer placements, research applications and jobs after studies in Cambridge.
There are a number of Fellows, Research Fellows and College Lecturers who provide support for students in the variety of disciplines that make up the Natural Sciences.
We have an intake of approximately 20 undergraduate Natural Scientists every year. These are split approximately equally between the Physical and Biological Natural Sciences.
There is sometimes some transfer between the different Tripos courses. Common transfers include a transfer from Natural Sciences to Chemical Engineering and from Maths to Natural Sciences. Both these transfers normally take place at the end of the first year and are subject to agreement by Departments and the appropriate Directors of Studies. Note: students intending to read Chemical Engineering should reveal this information on their application forms since this gives them priority over other Natural Scientists for places on the Chemical Engineering course.
Many of the Natural Science courses now run for four years (see below), and typically we have a total of around 70 undergraduate Natural Science students. There is a large graduate community, around 30 to 40, who are reading for higher science degrees (usually a Ph.D.).
We typically receive around 65 applicants every year for the Natural Sciences for the 20 places we have available.
The Natural Science course is ideally suited for those with a keen and wide-ranging interest in the Sciences or those who have not yet discovered their preferred discipline. It is broad-based, providing the opportunity for students to study three practical sciences in their first year (Part 1A), plus an appropriate Maths course. There is considerable flexibility in the choices available through the Natural Science Tripos, and this is one of its many attractions! The necessity to pursue three practical sciences means that students often find that their interest becomes focused on a new subject which they have not met previously, e.g. Geology, Materials and Minerals Sciences, or Biology of Cells. Some subjects such as Physics and Chemistry assume prior knowledge of the subject at A2 level, but most of the Biological subjects require only a firm grounding in Science. Further details of the Natural Sciences course are available on the web at: www.cam.ac.uk/about/natscitripos/
In the second year (Part 1B), students have the opportunity to read other science disciplines or continue to study a subject in more detail. In the third year (Part II), most students choose to study a single subject, although it is possible to continue to study a broad range of subjects (Part II General). Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Materials and Biochemistry offer a fourth year (Part III) leading to a Masters degree. This fourth year is usually in a research-orientated environment, providing students with the opportunity to undertake an original research project at the cutting-edge of their chosen subject. Full details are available on the web.
The syllabus for each subject is outlined through a series of Lectures organised by individual Departments. The College organises Supervisions (small group work with typically 2 students and a College Fellow, senior post doctoral worker or able graduate student) in each subject to consolidate the concepts and ideas raised in Lectures. Science is primarily a practical subject and assessments of practical ability in many chosen science subjects (excluding maths) are carried out by Departments during the course of the academic year. However, the major component of the overall mark comes from a series of written examinations taken in the Easter Term (June).
The Natural Sciences are not for the faint-hearted! We expect a great deal out of our Natural Scientists. In the first year, there are three 1 hour lectures per week, in each of the Sciences plus Maths. In addition each student can expect to have one 1 hour supervision in each subject. All science subjects include a practical class, usually one afternoon per week, and so students should expect a minimum of 28 hours of timetabled activities per week, including Saturday mornings. Students should also put aside time (typically 3-5 hours per subject per week) for understanding and learning lecture material, problem solving and the preparation of work for supervisions, giving a total of around 40-50 hours per week. This still leaves some room for extra-curricular activities and to study beyond the confines of the syllabus, but good time-management is essential! In subsequent years, students can expect slightly fewer lectures, but more practical work, and a similar number of minimum hours will need to be devoted to study.
For most subjects, practical classes are all held within term time, but for Geology, expect a field trip in the vacation for 'hands-on' experience of analysing rock types, examining rock-formations etc. For those continuing with the Geological Sciences in the second and third year, there are additional field trips. Similarly, Evolution and Behaviour, Ecology and Zoology field trips are organised for those taking the relevant options.
The Natural Science Tripos is wide-ranging and most students accepted to read the Natural Sciences will normally have three Sciences including Maths at A-level or A/S-level. For students reading the Physical Sciences (including Chemistry), A -level Maths is essential and Further Maths at A or AS level is beneficial. For students wishing to pursue the Biological Sciences, Biology, and Maths at A level are desirable and Chemistry is essential for Biology of Cells. Offers will not normally include STEP or AEA grades, but students are not discouraged from sitting these examinations.
A successful applicant for the Natural Sciences would typically be asked for A*AA in three Science A-levels. A candidate reading Maths and Further Maths would need an A only in one of these, but would still require an additional two A's in other Sciences. Post-A level students are normally considered for an unconditional offer. Candidates who show exceptional ability may be made a matriculation offer [EE]. Offers vary according to candidates' circumstances and choice of Subjects. For example, candidates using Natural Sciences as a route into Chemical Engineering will require Chemistry at A2 Level. Candidates should consult the University prospectus for detailed information about requirements within the Tripos.
Candidates with strong reasons for deferred entry may be considered, particularly if they intend to be involved in science in their gap year, e.g. if they have a placement at a scientific research institute or Government establishment, or are carrying out research in a company.
Magdalene will consider candidates re-applying to Cambridge but re -applications are not encouraged, if a candidate holds a place at another good university.
Mature students are admitted from time to time, and usually find that they are successful and happy in their course. If you wish to be considered as a mature applicant for the Natural Sciences, you should be engaged on or should have recently completed an Alevel, OU or equivalent course. If you are in any doubt about your preparation for a university course, or your choice of college, you are advised to contact us to discuss your individual circumstances prior to making your application.
We encourage applicants from all types of school and college background and although the information about offers (given above) indicates a typical requirement, each candidate is looked at in the light of his or her own individual circumstances. Funding, bursaries and scholarships Scholarships are awarded on the basis of university examination results. College prizes and travel awards are also available.
Applicants for Natural Sciences can expect to have two interviews, each interview lasting approximately 25 minutes. One interview will be with two science Fellows and one interview will be with a Fellow in a science related subject and a Fellow in a non-related subject. Candidates may be asked to read a scientific article in advance. Candidates for both Natural Biological and Physical Natural Sciences will be asked to complete a short 1 hour test. The test will comprise two sections; Section A will be a short Math’s test whilst section B will comprise some additional exercises for Physical Natural Scientists or a short essay for Biological Natural Scientists. The test from a previous year can be found here.
The subject interviews are designed to let the candidate show some or all of the following abilities:- application of familiar theories to new problems; analysis of new information and assessment of deficiencies in current theories; analysis of a new problem given appropriate information; logical thought; manipulation of mathematical equations; ability to discuss a scientific article in a critical manner.
The interviewers will also look for clear evidence of deep-rooted interest and motivation, since the Natural Sciences course is not suitable for those unsure of their longer-term interest in the subject.
Candidates who cannot attend interview in Cambridge may be interviewed in their home country but if this is not possible, they will be asked to submit a piece of work of a scientific nature, certified by their school to be a piece of their work.
Many of our science graduates stay in science. Some begin a research career, continuing their studies for a higher degree qualification (usually a Ph.D.) either in Cambridge or another University in the UK or abroad. Others may be offered employment with one of the many Life Science companies, Pharmaceuticals giants, Oil magnates, or other Science-Related industries. A few take the PGCE course and enter the teaching profession. In all cases good time -management coupled with a strong scientific background, make a Natural Scientist from Cambridge a highly valuable commodity.
There is no pre-requisite reading that needs to be done, but there is a list of interesting and informative books at the general level which is available and will be sent to successful applicants. Students who have had a gap year, are recommended to re -read their Alevel texts before they come up. For students reading the Physical Sciences, a set of maths problems will be sent out before the beginning of term in order to refresh some key concepts.
June 2009
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|
©2012 Magdalene College, Cambridge, CB3 0AG
Registered Charity Number 1137542