User:Gerard2007/Sandbox

Introduction
The University of Bath offers three main programmes leading to the B.Sc. in Natural Sciences:

•	Three-year full-time (UCAS code: CFG0)

•	Four-year with Industrial Placement (UCAS code: FCG0)

•	Four-year with Study Year Abroad (UCAS code: CFG0)

Students wanting to maintain a broad-base in their choice of subjects and to keep their options open, may do so by ‘picking and mixing’ from permitted subject combinations - in some cases, these extend across traditional ‘physical’ and ‘life’ science boundaries (some biology with physics, for example, can be taken). Other students prefer to select cohesive complementary courses within either the physical or life sciences. There is also the opportunity at the end of the first year, for students to be considered for transfer to the second year of some single honours degree programmes.

Entrance
Most students joining the Natural Sciences programme enter with three central sciences (see list below) at A2 or two central sciences and one non-science. Due to the competition for places our entry requirements are AAA at A2. Other qualifications are acceptable, at a similar standard.

Subjects offered
Central Sciences (at 'b' level)

Biology Pharmacology Chemistry Environmental Studies (from year two) Physics Mathematics

Supporting Subjects

Computing Practice of Science (from year two)

Additional Subjects

Psychology Education Management Languages (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin)

Structure
The Natural Sciences degrees are built up of subject-specific 'units', with five units taken in semester one and five in semester two (with some units spanning two semesters). Each unit is allocated a credit ‘rating’, typically three, six (the most common) or 12 credits, depending on how much content and expected study they involve. Unique to the Natural Sciences programme is the linking of pairs of units (typically six-credits each) across the two semesters; these form the subject blocks; in the case of a whole-year unit, a single unit would be a block. Students select five blocks to study each year of the programme (i.e., 60 credits worth of study per year). Each unit is typically assessed by a written examination paper and/or coursework, either at the end of the semester in which the unit is taught, or at the end of the academic year.

Subject selection
First-year units are studied at either an elementary ‘a’ (post-GCSE), or more advanced ‘b’ (post-A2) level; in the first year, students are expected to study at least two subjects at the ‘b’ level (from Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Pharmacology, Physics), as well as a double block in the same core science (from Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physics, Mathematics and, from year two, Environmental Studies). One block of Mathematics (‘M1a’ or ‘M1b’)is compulsory in Year One, and up to one block of additional subjects may be taken (from Psychology, Education, Management, and a foreign language). The Practice of Science is a compulsory block in the second year.

Students are expected to take two blocks in the same subject each year (see course overview below) and these comprise their ‘major’ subject. A research project or dissertation in their major is, additionally, undertaken in the final year, and by the end of their course, students will normally have spent 60% of their study on their major subject. It is possible to major in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Pharmacology, or Physics.

Course overview
The following flow chart shows the sequence of subject blocks taken by students each year (five blocks per year).



Placement year
One distinctive feature of the Natural Sciences programme at Bath is the placement year. Placements vary considerably but, in general terms, students are placed within an industrial, commercial or research environment where they obtain a breadth of work experience to complement their university degree. The professional skills that the four-year sandwich-course student gains from a placement can be invaluable when applying for a job after graduation; the experience also helps students identify their preferred career path. After completing the placement year, students have to write up a report of their experiences (often a specific project) although the grade received does not contribute to the final degree classification. Placements are arranged (according to the student's interests) through the placement tutors of participating departments and though most are UK-based, some opportunities also arise overseas. Students may transfer from the three-year to the four-year programme (with industrial placement) but should do so before the end of their first year.

Study Year Abroad
Some Natural Science students wish to expand their academic horizons by spending the third year of a four-year course at an overseas university. This may be particularly appropriate for students including a European language within their degree programme. The University of Bath currently has formal exchange agreements with a number of good universities in mainland Europe and North America.

Open/Invitation Days
The University of Bath holds two Open Days in June and September. All applicants (where an offer is contemplated) are invited to special Natural Sciences Invitation Days which are held between November 2007 and March 2008. Candidates will be able to look around the campus, meet some of the current undergraduates, and see subject departments of interest. There will also be the opportunity for candidates presenting non-standard combinations of subjects to discuss their application individually with a member of staff.