Subject Summary

The aim of Part II Physical Sciences is to allow students to continue to develop a broader knowledge of the sciences than a Part II single subject may provide. NST Part II Physical Sciences is also designed for students who have decided on a career more suited to a broad scientific background and have concluded that a more research-oriented single subject Part II would not meet their needs.

Each candidate will offer one Half Subject (chosen from Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), a Part IB subject not previously studied, and a 5,000 word dissertation. 

You will offer TWO separate subjects, ONE subject from Group A and ONE subject from Group B (subject to the Restrictions).

Group A

• Half Subject Chemistry
• Half Subject Earth Sciences
• Half Subject Physics

Half Subjects typically consist of half of the lectures courses and practical work of the corresponding Part II subject.

Group B

A subject from the NST IB options.

Restrictions

1. Some combinations may be difficult to timetable; you are advised to discuss permissable combinations that have timetable clashes with your Director of Studies.
2. You may NOT read any subject in Group B that you have previously read in Part IB of the Natural Sciences Tripos.
3. Half Subject Chemistry may not be offered unless you have previously offered either Chemistry A or Chemistry B in Part IB of the Tripos.
4. Half Subject Physics may not be offered unless you have previously offered Physics A or B in Part IB of the Tripos.
5. Half Subject Earth Sciences may not be offered unless you have previously offered either Earth Sciences A or Earth Sciences B in Part IB of the Tripos.
    

Programme Specification

This course consists of material borrowed from other courses offered within the Natural Sciences Tripos and elsewhere.

Aims

This course aims to:

1. provide a route for students who would prefer to follow a broader curriculum in physical sciences than that offered in other Part II courses;
2. provide a course for students who have decided on a career more suited to a broad scientific background and have concluded that a more research-oriented single subject Part II would not meet their needs.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students should:

1. be able to apply the ideas and concepts introduced in the courses to solve problems, make predictions and rationalise trends;
2. have a deeper understanding in selected areas of physical science;
3. have enhanced practical skills, particularly in the areas of making and interpreting measurements.

Teaching and Learning Methods

These include lectures, supervisions and practical classes.

Assessment

Students offer:

• a subset of the examinations required for their Part II Half Subject in Chemistry, Physics or Earth Sciences
• the examination requirements for their chosen Part IB subject, 
• a 5,000 word dissertationon a topic in which you are offering the Half Subject.

Additional Information

Further information  is available on the Course Websites pages.