Natural Sciences offers a wide range of physical and biological science subjects from numerous different departments in a unique and demanding course. A broad first year is combined with increasing specialisation in the second year, and the possibility of total specialisation from the third year. The breadth of the course reflects the blurring of boundaries between the different sciences and before committing yourself to one area you study a variety of subjects, some of which may be new to you.
In the first year, students study three science courses plus Mathematics (or Mathematical Biology). Biological options include Biology of Cells, Evolution and Behaviour, and Physiology. Other courses commonly chosen by biological Natural Scientists include Chemistry and Earth Sciences and qualified candidates may also take physical sciences courses. In your second year, you will choose three courses from over 20 available options, including a comprehensive range of courses in the biological sciences. In your third year, you specialise in one subject, or continue to follow a broad spectrum in Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Some subjects have an optional fourth year. Full details about the structure and content of the course can be found on the University website.
Biological Natural Sciences at Murray Edwards College
We welcome around eight undergraduate students in the Biological Natural Sciences each year and many of our medical and veterinary students also study a Biological Natural Sciences subject in their third year. Within the College as a whole this means we typically have around 40 undergraduate students and 40 postgraduate students interested in Biological Natural Sciences or in closely related subject areas. The student-run Franklin Society organises events for those interested in science, including talks from invited speakers. Additionally, there are opportunities for Natural Sciences students and Fellows to dine together during the year, fostering the scientific community within the College.
Typical offer
A Level: A*A*A with A* in two specified subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics
IB: 42, 776 with 7 in two specified IB Higher Level subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
Required subjects
A Level: A Level in Mathematics and two science subjects
IB: IB Higher Level in Mathematics and two science subjects
Admissions Assessment
All applicants for Natural Sciences are required to take a written assessment (Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment; NSAA), for which they must be registered in advance.
Written work
Murray Edwards Natural Sciences applicants are not asked to submit written work to the College.
Read our Q&A with the Director of Studies for Biological Natural Sciences.
