Natural Sciences (Physical)

Undergraduates study Physical and Biological Sciences in Cambridge as part of an overarching programme called Natural Sciences.

Natural Sciences at Cambridge

Students who already know which branch of science they want to study (for example Physics or Genetics) are able to do just that, while also having the chance to study related sciences which support their main discipline. This enables Cambridge students to become more rounded scientists, something which is increasingly useful as modern scientific research cuts across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Another advantage of the Cambridge course structure is that those who have broad scientific interests can maintain this breadth before finding their areas of specialism as the course progresses. Many students find that their interests develop as they are exposed to new areas of science which they have not studied at school, and will end up specialising in a field which they would never have even considered if they had followed a University course in a single narrow discipline.

The key to the Natural Sciences degree structure is that it provides students with choice and flexibility, not only at the start of the course, but also as it develops.

Natural Sciences is by far the largest course in the University, and at Jesus 15 to 20 per cent of our undergraduates are studying Natural Sciences. There are over 20 Fellows of the College who work in the scientific departments in which the courses are taught. 

For admissions the subject is divided into Physical and Biological strands, but once admitted students are free to choose study options across the Physical and Biological sciences. Teaching and assessment of Biological and Physical courses is significantly different and most students admitted to study one strand will select the majority of courses from that strand in the first year.

What you'll study

The Physical Science subjects are:

• Chemistry
• Earth Sciences
• Materials Science
• Physics.

Students typically choose three of these subjects to study in their first year, or alternatively might study one of the Biological options. First years also study Mathematics. Directors of Studies coordinate supervisions and will support students in choosing their combination of subjects and courses, which in some cases will be limited by their A-levels.

In the second year Physical scientists will begin to focus on their areas of greatest interest, typically studying two sciences before finally specialising in one area in their third year. The vast majority of Physical Science students at Jesus continue to a fourth year, earning an MSci qualification.

Natural Sciences at Jesus

Our group of Physical scientists is well balanced across the sciences, typically having a handful of students in each year specialising in each of the subjects. We also have Fellows based in each of the four departments.

The Natural Sciences course teaching mostly involves lectures, practicals, and supervisions. The lectures, usually given to several hundred students, are held in the mornings, and the College is ideally located just a few minutes away from the city centre lecture theatres.

Practical classes, which students attend two or three afternoons each week are based in different departments around the city, but even the furthest locations are only a 15 minute bike ride away from Jesus.

The supervision system is essential to teaching at Cambridge, and at Jesus you'll have regular supervisions in small groups of two to three students. In the first year you'll have four supervisions a week, mostly with teaching Fellows, post graduate students, or other senior members of the College. These will usually be held in College.

The College encourages students to participate in scientific research placements in universities and companies in summer vacations. Many Physical Science students take part in these activities, for which financial support is available.

Despite the busy nature of the course, Natural Sciences students at Jesus still find time for extracurricular activities including sport at College and University level, performing in plays and stand up comedy, music, art, and a wide range of other activities.