Part IB

Course Overviews

Biomedical Challenge and Change*

This course explores how drugs work and how new treatments are developed to address major challenges in human physiology. It begins with the principles of drug action, focusing on the inflammatory and respiratory systems. The course then examines disorders affecting the cardiovascular, renal and metabolic systems, considering how therapies can reduce the burden of these diseases. A detailed study of reproductive physiology follows, highlighting its importance in maintaining overall health. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to integrate knowledge across physiological systems and therapeutic strategies.

Practical sessions support this learning by developing skills in experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication. Students gain hands-on experience with key pharmacological techniques, including drug binding studies and computer-based modelling. The course provides a strong foundation in pharmacology and its application to complex physiological disorders, preparing students for further study or careers in biomedical science.

Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation*

This course explores core principles in ecology and conservation, particularly biodiversity and interactions between species, how ecosystems function and the role of the natural world in supporting ecosystem processes, the negative impacts that humans are having on ecosystems worldwide, and conservation approaches that can be used to reduce biodiversity loss and enhance sustainability. This course builds on the first year Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology course, and is key for anyone aiming to follow a career in conservation, ecology or whole organism biology. Lectures are supplemented with practical field ecology and statistics sessions, including a recommended field course during the Summer vacation.

Cells to Organisms*

This course scales from cells to multicellular organisms, looking at how cellular mechanisms underpin how organisms are built, coordinate and interact with each other. We explore the processes that allow cells to replicate, divide, coordinate and move, building to how cells come together in multicellular arrays. Considering 3D cell arrangements takes us from developmental biology model systems to multicellular organisms, exemplified across plants and animals. Then we consider interactions within and between organisms that draw on and synthesise the cellular and developmental aspects from across the course. This course develops a solid foundation for further study of developmental biology, genomes and signalling in any kingdom.

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.

Evolution and Diversity*

In this course we consider fundamental evolutionary processes and how these can explain the extraordinary diversity of plant, animal and microbial life and the interactions between them. The course builds on the first year Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology course, looking at themes of macroevolution, evolutionary genetics and phenotypic approaches. The course includes practical classes and provides key perspectives for any students planning to take their study of genetics, plant science or zoology further in later years.

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.

Infection, Immunity and Genetic Diseases*

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the immune system, its role in defending the body, and its involvement in disease. It builds on foundational knowledge to introduce more advanced concepts in immunology, including inflammation, immune tolerance, and immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmunity and allergies. Students will study how the body responds to a range of pathogens, viruses, parasites, and bacteria, while examining how these interactions inform treatment and prevention strategies. The course also introduces the genetic basis of disease and explores cancer biology, highlighting the immune system’s role in both cancer development and therapy. A final set of sessions encourages students to integrate and reflect on key themes, including the immune system’s contribution to cancer and the genetic and infectious factors involved.

Practical classes reinforce theoretical content and develop essential laboratory skills, from basic techniques to advanced methods such as flow cytometry, preparing students for future research and biomedical careers.

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.

Molecules to Cells*

This course takes a molecular view of encoding, powering and coordinating an organism. We explore how the genomes of different organisms direct the RNA and proteins that are produced, and the regulatory mechanisms behind protein production and protein removal. We then focus on proteins, including the impact that AI is having on our understanding of their structures, and their functions across kingdoms as catalysts, metabolic controllers, electron/proton transporters and components in signalling pathways. This course provides fundamental background for further study in biochemistry, genetics and plant sciences.

Neurobiology in Health and Disease*

This course offers an expanded and interdisciplinary approach to neurobiology, incorporating contributions from Pharmacology and Pathology. It begins with an introduction to experimental methods, scientific reading, and critical thinking. Core topics include the electrical properties of neurons, synapses and synaptic plasticity, sensory systems, motor control, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, and higher brain functions. The course also introduces neurobiological aspects of nervous system disorders and current approaches to treatment, reflecting student interest in clinical relevance. A dedicated section on translational neuroscience encourages students to evaluate the feasibility of applying research findings to real-world interventions.

Practical sessions complement the lectures by focusing on experimental techniques and data interpretation. The course is designed to develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing students for advanced study or research in neuroscience.

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.

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