Natural Sciences

The Natural Sciences course blurs the boundaries between the sciences, allowing you to explore your scientific interests before committing to a chosen specialist area. In the first year, you study maths and three sciences, ranging from subjects you might already know, such as Physics, Chemistry and Cell Biology, to less familiar subjects such as Earth Sciences and Biomedical Sciences. In the second year, you choose three subjects from over 20 available options, before specialising in one subject in the third year. Some subjects also have an optional fourth year, which usually includes a substantial research project. The 4-year course qualifies you for both the BA and MSci degrees. It is also possible to graduate after three years with only the BA degree. More details about the course can be found on the .

When you apply, we ask you to specify whether you are a Biological or Physical Natural Scientist. The choice does not necessarily restrict the subjects you can study on the course - it just refers to what you feel your main scientific interests are when you apply. This is probably reflected in the subjects you are currently studying: Physical Natural Scientists are usually taking Physics, while Biological Natural Scientists are usually taking Biology. Chemistry lies somewhere between and is often taken by both. Another way to look at it is to consider which science subjects you might choose in your first year from the list . If you are not sure whether to select the Biological or Physical route, you are welcome to contact the Admissions Office for advice.

Typical offer

A Level: A*A*A

IB: 42 (776)

Required subjects

A Level: A Level Mathematics and two of A Level Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Further Mathematics

IB: HL Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and two of HL Biology / Chemistry / Physics

Admissions assessment

Applicants are required to take the (ESAT). You must register in advance for this test.

Written work

Applicants are not required to submit written work.

What the students say:

Julia Rabel

Natural sciences is a great multidisciplinary course offering us the freedom to study what we are most interested in but also giving us the opportunity to explore new subjects. I came to Cambridge focused on chemistry but was able to broaden my interests by taking materials science (which I loved) and biology of cells in addition to chemistry. My first year was hard, but what an opportunity to be able to study a wide range of topics such as crystal structure, embryo development and I also tried column chromatography.

Expecting to relive the stress of the interview in my first supervision, I was surprised to instead have a relaxed chat about the lectures of that week and of the supervision work submitted. Supervisions at 51�� are just a chance for you and your course mates to ask all the burning questions you have about the lectures material, and go through the more tricky questions.

To find 51�� as a mini Barbican in a green setting was lovely as the Barbican is one of my favourite parts of London (it too was designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon). Our college affords many ways to relax with friends, playing tennis or netball on the courts, or spending time in the gardens. The gardens are a great place to pick flowers for your room, walk around chatting and to sit and eat a box of Sainsbury’s tiramisu between two. Sometimes to sit in the Medwards gardens at 2pm having breakfast after a long night out is the only cure. Our garden is such a happy place!