Part IA

Students take three experimental subjects and one mathematics option from those listed below.

These courses are for the 2026-27 entry. Current students should refer to the NST Course Hub.

*these courses are currently under revision, titles and content may change.

Course Overview - Experimental Subjects

Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology*

This first-year course provides a broad overview of the processes of evolutionary change, major transitions that have occurred in the evolution of life on our planet, the diversity and ecology of major groups of organisms, and the impact that humans have had and are having on the natural world. It provides vital material for any students planning to study whole organism biology, ecology or conservation in later years. The course includes practical classes and an optional field course over the Easter vacation, which gives students experience of carrying out their own studies and seeing organisms in their natural environment.

Biomedical Sciences*

This course offers a focused exploration of human biology and concentrates on the human body, with a strong emphasis on physiology—the foundation for further study in areas like pharmacology, neurobiology, and pathology.

You’ll explore how the body functions at multiple levels, from the nervous and hormonal systems to cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and metabolic processes. Alongside this, you’ll be introduced to key biomedical topics such as immunology and the effects of drugs on the body, helping you build a broad and integrated understanding of human health and disease.

Practical classes complement the lectures by offering hands-on experience in areas like neurobiology, histology, anatomy, and experimental design. These sessions are designed to encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills essential for any future biomedical scientist.

Biomolecules and Cells*

This course offers an introduction to the essential principles of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. You'll begin by exploring the building blocks of life; proteins, DNA, membranes, and metabolism, before diving into how genetic information is inherited, expressed, and regulated.

As the course progresses, you'll uncover how cells communicate, divide, and develop into complex organisms. Along the way, you'll gain insight into cutting-edge topics like genome biology, cell signalling, and even how viruses hijack cellular machinery.

With practical experiments closely aligned with lecture topics, this course ensures a hands-on learning experience. Whether you're beginning your biology journey or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this course is your gateway to understanding the intricate workings of life.

Chemistry

This course reveals how molecular structure influences chemical properties and reactivity - core knowledge for anyone passionate about molecular science. You'll study spectroscopy to uncover molecular shapes, explore modern bonding theories, and learn to predict chemical behaviour through reaction mechanisms and equilibrium concepts.

Hands-on practical classes bring the theory to life, offering experience with real-world chemical techniques and quantitative analysis. Whether you're interested in biochemistry, materials science, or beyond, this course lays a strong foundation in the principles of chemistry.

Earth Sciences

This course is your gateway to understanding the dynamic forces that shape our planet—and others. You'll explore Earth's interior, oceans, and atmosphere, and learn how to track geological and environmental changes using tools from biology, chemistry, and physics. You'll also touch on the economic importance of Earth’s resources.

Through hands-on practicals and fieldwork, you'll identify rocks, interpret geological maps, and use fossils and sediments to uncover Earth’s history. No prior geology experience is needed—just a curiosity about the natural world and a background in science.

Whether you're fascinated by Earth’s past or curious about planetary science, this course offers the perfect foundation for further study in geology and environmental science.

Introduction to Experimental Psychology: From Brain to Cognition

The course explores the core principles of human behavior, cognitive processes, and the neuroscientific underpinnings of the mind. You will learn about the history and methods of experimental psychology, delve into the structure and function of the brain, and study key areas such as sensation, perception, learning, memory, language and emotion. Through practical classes, students will gain direct experience of experimental methods and cognitive phenomena and understand conceptual and ethical practices in research.

This course is borrowed from the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Tripos, meaning you’ll study alongside a different cohort of students. 

Materials Science

This course introduces you to the world of materials science, where atomic structure meets real-world function. You'll learn how materials like biomaterials, liquid crystals, and aerospace alloys work—and even get hands-on with activities like fuel-cell construction and nanoscale analysis and uncover the science behind liquid-crystal displays, biomaterials, and the resilience of aeroplanes.

With a mix of lectures, practicals and enhanced by web-based learning, you’ll build a strong foundation in how materials behave and why. It’s the perfect starting point for future studies in Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry—and for anyone curious about the science driving today’s technology.

Physics

This course provides a solid foundation in physics, ideal for students continuing in the subject or pursuing related fields like chemistry, materials science, or earth sciences and those with a strong background in physics and mathematics. It bridges the gap between school and university-level physics, reinforcing classical topics while introducing exciting new areas such as special relativity and quantum physics.

You’ll explore core concepts including mechanics, oscillations, waves, and fields, all within a analytical and mathematical framework. The course encourages you to think critically and develop models that explain how the universe works—from everyday phenomena to the extremes of black holes.

Practical work is an essential part of the course, helping you develop experimental and data analysis skills. These sessions are designed to complement the lectures and deepen your understanding through hands-on experience.

Course Overview - Mathematics Subjects

Mathematics for Biology*

This course introduces you to the essential mathematical and computational tools used to understand biological systems. You'll learn how to apply techniques like probability, statistics, and differential equations to real-world biological questions—from analysing genetic data to modelling how populations grow and interact.

Throughout the course, you'll work with real biological datasets and gain hands-on experience using R, a powerful tool for data analysis and visualization. Practical sessions will help you develop skills in data handling, statistical testing, and bioinformatics, giving you a solid foundation for more advanced study in biology, medicine, or computational science.

The course is designed to be accessible and engaging, even if you're new to mathematical biology. It’s ideal for students who enjoy both maths and biology and want to explore how these disciplines come together to solve complex problems in the life sciences.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a fundamental foundation for studying science. This Mathematics course is designed to underpin the mathematical techniques used in the physical sciences.

This course is available in two version, with both covering crucial mathematical techniques for physical sciences, including vector calculus, matrices, complex numbers, differential equations, probability theory, and computing techniques.

Course A provides a solid foundation in mathematical methods, essential for all physical science courses in Part IB of the Natural Sciences Tripos, such as Mathematics, Physics and Advanced Physics.

Course B is tailored for those who find mathematics particularly rewarding, moving at a faster pace and including additional material. It's perfect for students with a strong understanding of Further Mathematics.

Despite the different paces, both courses lead to the same examination and qualification, offering a versatile mathematical framework applicable across a multitude of natural science disciplines.