Part IB

Course Overviews

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

This course is for those ready to deepen their understanding of molecular and cellular biology. Building on first year content, it explores how DNA encodes proteins, enzyme and protein functions, and the regulation of cellular metabolism and growth.

In Molecular Biochemistry, you'll study gene cloning, gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and protein structure and function. You'll also learn how structural changes can modify protein activity.

Cell Biochemistry covers membrane and organelle roles, metabolic integration, bioenergetics, and cell signalling—including hormone action and cancer genes. Practical sessions include lab work, Journal Clubs, and Experimental Design, offering a hands-on, interactive learning experience that complements the lectures and prepares you for advanced studies.

Biology of Disease

Pathology explores the causes and effects of disease, from infections (viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi) to cellular defects. Understanding how organisms respond, through innate and adaptive mechanisms, is key to grasping disease processes.

This course introduces core principles of pathology through integrated lectures and twice-weekly practicals. Topics include cellular pathology, immunology, microbiology, parasitology, and virology, offering a broad and engaging view of disease biology.

The course emphasizes hands-on learning. Practical sessions let you examine real-life examples like bacteria and parasites, helping reinforce and apply theoretical knowledge in a meaningful, interactive way.

Cell and Developmental Biology

Cell and Developmental Biology builds on the Biology of Cells course and complements subjects like Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Taught by experts across departments, it explores how genetic information is organized and expressed in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, using yeast as a model.

You’ll study chloroplast and mitochondria biogenesis, the cytoskeleton, cell motility, vesicle trafficking, and signalling. The course also dives into how identical cells differentiate and form complex body patterns in animals and plants.

Practicals teach essential experimental techniques used in modern cell biology research. This course offers a dynamic, in-depth look at how cells function and develop, preparing you for advanced study and research in this fast-moving field.

Chemistry A and B

Whether you're planning to continue with chemistry or complement your other chosen subjects, these courses build on first-year material and highlight the interconnectedness of chemical concepts. You can choose to study one or both.

Chemistry A delves into quantum mechanics, chemical bonding, and the microscopic properties that influence and shape bulk matter. You'll explore the structure and properties of solid materials, gaining insights into the fundamental theories that underpin the science.

Chemistry B uncovers the vast array of chemical structures and reactions, simplifying them through key concepts in bonding and reactivity. The course includes an introduction to Chemical Biology, revealing the chemistry of life itself.

Both courses integrate hands-on experiments, ensuring you gain the experience needed to excel in the field and refine your techniques to become an accomplished practical chemist.

Earth Sciences A and B

Discover the hidden world of Earth Sciences with our two complementary courses, leading to third-year Earth Sciences. These independent, self-contained courses can be combined with subjects like physics or biological sciences, offering a versatile academic path.

Earth Sciences A delves into the Earth's surface environments, exploring the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, along with their geological products. You'll study sedimentology, palaeontology, geophysics, and oceanography, and understand tectonics from lithospheric plates to hand specimens, focusing on sedimentary basin formation and deformation.

Earth Sciences B takes you beneath the surface, from the crust to the core, and even to other planets. This course focuses on igneous and metamorphic rocks, and studies mineralogy, geophysics, and geochemistry, relevant to planetary interiors. You'll analyse mountain belts, their thermal and chemical evolution, and volcanic activity in various tectonic settings.

Both courses emphasise practical work and map analysis, and an essential opportunity to attend a combined field course.

Ecology & Conservation

This interdisciplinary course explores the complex relationships between plants, animals, and the environment, with a focus on human impacts such as climate change and biodiversity loss. You'll study how species populations and ecological communities are shaped by evolution, climate, and species interactions, and examine the role of plants in global biogeochemical cycles.

Gain insights into terrestrial and marine ecosystems and learn how museum and herbarium collections help track long-term environmental change. The course includes a ten-day field course in woodland, grassland, or urban ecology, offering hands-on research experience. Ideal for students interested in ecology and conservation, it provides a strong foundation for advanced study and real-world environmental work.

Evolution & Animal Diversity

This course explores the evolutionary processes behind animal diversity, integrating genetics, phylogenetics, physiology, neurobiology, and behaviour. You'll examine how natural selection shapes life history strategies, foraging, habitat use, and mating choices through lectures and hands-on experiments.

Topics include vertebrate evolution, developmental biology, and the role of genes and genomes in adaptation and epidemiology. You'll use phylogenies to understand animal relationships and diversification, and study insect biology to uncover the secrets of their success.

The course also covers brain function—from sensory input to motor output—and how it drives behaviour. Practical sessions reinforce key concepts, offering a dynamic and immersive introduction to evolutionary biology and animal behaviour.

History and Philosophy of Science

This thought-provoking course traces the evolution of science from ancient natural philosophy to modern molecular medicine. Explore early astronomy, alchemy, and the development of medicine, while examining how physical and life sciences have transformed our understanding of the world.

Engage with key philosophical questions about scientific theories, causation, laws, and the nature of explanation. Discuss whether science offers a true picture of reality and explore pressing issues in scientific and biomedical ethics.

Designed to deepen your understanding of science’s philosophical roots and societal impact, the course blends historical insight with critical debate. It’s an inspiring journey through the ideas that have shaped, and continue to shape, scientific thought.

Materials Science

This course is a gateway to understanding the world of advanced materials design and their functions in modern society. Building on first-year concepts, it explores further how processing, structure, and properties interact with cost, safety, and sustainability to determine the best materials for various applications.

You'll discover the latest breakthroughs in metallic and non-metallic materials, learning how new developments enhance the properties of metallic alloys and how materials behave under chemical and mechanical stresses. The course also covers functional materials like semiconductors, which have revolutionised technology, enabling the creation of smaller, more powerful devices through innovative materials and fabrication techniques.

Beyond lectures and practicals, you'll take part in projects that sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding of Materials Science. This course pairs seamlessly with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Earth Sciences, offering a comprehensive and exciting journey into the world of materials.

Mathematical and Computational Biology

This rigorous, hands-on course combines statistics, computing, and mathematical modelling to tackle modern biological problems. You'll build a strong foundation in programming, data analysis, bioinformatics, and simulation, skills essential for research, advanced study, and careers in quantitative biology.

The course begins with core concepts like Bayesian methods, linear algebra, and systems analysis, followed by modules in bioinformatics (e.g., sequence alignment, phylogeny), dynamic modelling (e.g., neural networks, spatial dynamics), and data science (e.g., clustering, classification).

Through a mix of lectures and practicals, you'll gain applied experience in modelling, big data, and algorithm design. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the tools and thinking behind computational biology.

Mathematics

This course offers a rigorous and intellectually stimulating foundation, especially valuable if you plan to pursue further studies in Physics or Chemistry. You’ll explore a range of advanced mathematical techniques that are essential for understanding and modelling complex scientific systems. Topics include group theory, advanced matrix methods, Cartesian tensors, and differential equations, focusing on power series solutions and expansions in characteristic functions. You’ll also study Fourier transforms, the calculus of variations, functions of a complex variable and calculus of residues. To deepen your understanding, practical sessions are integrated throughout the course, where you’ll use computational tools to apply and visualise numerical methods. These hands-on experiences not only reinforce theoretical knowledge but also develop your skills in scientific computing. Designed to challenge and inspire, this course provides a strong academic platform to support your future success in the physical sciences.

Neurobiology

This collaborative course offers an in-depth exploration of neurobiology, starting at the cellular and molecular level and is ideal for students interested in how the nervous system drives behaviour and cognition. You'll study neuron properties, sensory systems, and the development and regulation of neural circuits. Topics include motor control, sensorimotor integration, synaptic plasticity, motivation, emotion, learning, memory, and higher brain functions like language.

Practical sessions bring theory to life through neural simulations, zebrafish development, C. elegans genetics, human sensory testing, brain imaging, and neuroanatomy. You'll use techniques from microscopy to psychophysical testing to explore brain structure and function.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology bridges physical and biological sciences, exploring how chemical substances interact with living systems. You'll study how receptors influence cell activity, how drugs target bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, and how they affect mammalian cell growth and cancer.

The course blends modern molecular biology with traditional pharmacology, covering drug distribution, anaesthetics, ion channels, and drug effects on the heart and nervous system. You'll also explore anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating drugs, leading into drug discovery.

Hands-on practicals and virtual seminars develop key lab skills. A multi-session drug research project, ending with a 3-minute video presentation, offers a chance to apply your knowledge and engage deeply with real-world pharmacological challenges.

Physics A and B

The Physics A course offers a comprehensive introduction to key areas of modern physics. You’ll explore the behaviour of waves and optical systems, delve into the principles of quantum mechanics, and gain an understanding of condensed matter physics. A dedicated module on experimental methods will equip you with the theoretical background necessary for practical work, while full-day lab sessions will help you to develop advanced experimental skills.

The Physics B course focuses on the classical foundations of the subject. It covers essential topics in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics, providing a solid base for further study. The practical component of this course features more complex and extended experiments than those encountered in the first year, encouraging deeper engagement with physical principles.

To support analytical work, all students undertake an introductory Python programming course, which includes hands-on exercises.

Physiology

This course explores mammalian systems physiology, with a focus on humans. Starting at the cellular level, it builds up to major body systems and how they respond to everyday and extreme challenges.

You'll study reproductive physiology from conception to birth, as well as foetal, maternal, and neonatal development. Key systems covered include cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal, and digestive, along with nutrition, body weight regulation, and responses to exercise and extreme environments like high altitude and space.

Practical sessions bring learning to life,measuring your own cardiac output, oxygen use, blood glucose after eating, and drug effects on intestinal muscle. You'll also explore histology using advanced digital tools, gaining a deep, hands-on understanding of how the body functions and adapts.

Plant and Microbial Sciences

This immersive course reveals the essential role of plants in sustaining life. You'll explore how plants support food production, carbon capture, biodiversity, and renewable energy. Topics include crop improvement, plant resilience to stress and disease, and the use of designer plants for sustainability.

The course spans plant biology from cells to ecosystems, integrating microbial science and ecological modelling. You'll study photosynthesis, water relations, plant-microbe interactions, and development—key to tackling global challenges like food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Hands-on lab work and field studies complement lectures, offering practical experience in molecular techniques, ecological analysis, and collaborative research projects. This course equips you with the tools to understand and address critical environmental issues.

Quantitative Environmental Science

QES is a multidisciplinary course combining physics, maths, biology, and chemistry to address environmental challenges. Taught by experts from Maths, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and the British Antarctic Survey, it covers key systems like the carbon and water cycles, ocean currents, ice dynamics, and atmospheric chemistry.

You’ll build climate models, analyse environmental data, and write a policy paper to communicate science to decision-makers. Topics include contamination, flooding, sea level rise, and air pollution, with a strong focus on applied maths and fluid dynamics.

Practical work includes modelling, data analysis, and exploring the impact of energy transitions. This course is ideal for students keen to apply science to real-world environmental problems and sustainability.

Natural Sciences Tripos

What is the NST?

Course Structure

Admissions