Natural Sciences (Physical)
UCAS code: BCF0
Note: When applying for Natural Sciences at Cambridge, you need to indicate on your Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) or Cambridge Online Preliminary Application (COPA) whether you wish to apply for Biological or Physical sciences.
Subject Requirements
Essential: Mathematics; plus one from Physics, Chemistry or Further Maths*.
* - If not taking Physics, this should include all Mechanics modules.
Highly Desirable: A further subject from Physics, Chemistry or Further Maths to A level.
Most of our physical scientists have taken A levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and AS or A level in Further Maths. Mathematics is essential in all the Physical sciences and should be taken to as higher level as you can manage.
Please also see Nat Sci requirements on the university website.
Written Work
None.
Admissions Tests
A College test taken at interview. The test is of 60 minutes duration and involves Maths, Physics and Chemistry. The questions are based on the Core A-level syllabus and so special preparation is not necessary.
Director(s) of Studies
Dr Bill Nolan Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Physical)
Prof David Ritchie Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Physics and Astrophysics)
Teaching Fellows in Natural Sciences (Physical)
Prof Richard Needs – Theoretical Physics
Dr Melinda Duer – Chemistry (solid state NMR)
Dr Rachel Oliver – Materials Science (nanoscale structures)
Dr Francis Pope – Chemistry (Atmospheric science)
Dr Holly Hedgeland – Physics (Surface science)
General Comments
The Natural Sciences course is designed to allow students a large degree of flexibility in their studies. Students need not have a plan for the entire course as they can study a broad range of subjects in the first year and then become increasingly specialised in the area that most interests them. While Natural Science students can afford to be undecided about their future specialisation, they must nevertheless be committed and highly motivated as the course is demanding and challenging for even the most gifted students. Natural Scientists have a relatively structured programme of morning lectures and a number of afternoon practical classes. However, they still find time to pursue a wide range of social and sporting activities within the College and further afield.
Our Natural Science students find Robinson a friendly and stimulating place to study. During their time here, many students will progress through the range of subjects towards a planned specialisation, while for others it is a chance to discover exciting courses and interesting areas of scientific research they had not previously considered.
Natural Sciences (information from Cambridge Admissions website)
Natural Sciences Tripos (NatSci web site – very useful)
Updated July 2011