Natural Sciences (Biological)
The Natural Sciences Tripos is the framework within which sixteen different Faculties and Departments at Cambridge deliver undergraduate training in a wide range of physical and biological sciences, as well as the history and philosophy of science. Students apply to study either Natural Sciences (Biological) or Natural Sciences (Physical).
At a glance
A Level requirements: A*A*A
IB requirements: 41-42 points overall with 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level
Subject requirements: Mathematics and any two other science or maths subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Further Mathematics
Average students per year: 6-8
Admissions assessment: Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
Written work: None
Admissions
Course overview
The Natural Sciences Tripos provides students with a multidisciplinary scientific background, increasingly important in modern science, before allowing them to specialise in their chosen subject. The course therefore provides the intellectual breadth and depth which allows students to both experience new areas of science and to make connections across traditionally discrete disciplinary boundaries, substantially enriching their understanding of their specialist subject. All Natural Sciences students study for three years, leading to a BA degree, and some continue to study for an additional fourth year, leading to a MSci degree.
Biological science subjects at Cambridge include:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
- Plant Sciences
- Psychology
- Zoology
There is significant flexibility, however, within the Tripos, and students admitted to Natural Sciences (Biological) can choose from a variety of courses (including biological and physical science options), although specific subjects have essential or desirable prerequisites.
For more information about the course and its modules, visit the University website.
Admissions assessment
Candidates for Natural Sciences (Biological) must take the ESAT, which is a pre-registration required test. The Mathematics 1 module is compulsory for all candidates, and you will then need to complete two additional multiple-choice modules from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics 2. For more information about the test, please see the University website.
Interviews
At King's, candidates receive two interviews, each with two interviewers (Directors of studies and/or Fellows of the College) and lasting around 20-25 minutes. The interviews are designed to explore the way you think, not what you know - typically we work through problems together that would be analogous to those tackled in the 1st year.
What we look for in an applicant
Biological Natural Sciences is well suited to naturally curious individuals with a keen interest in exploring why the natural world is the way that it is. We are interested in how you think, what excites you, and how you approach the unknown, not simply in what you already know. Great Natural Scientists are comfortable with the unknown; this is where discoveries happen.
A top tip for applicants
Try to find what excites you the most in the natural world, and think about what you need to know to understand it.
Find out more
You can find out more about Natural Science (Biological) by visiting the University website and the Natural Sciences website.
You can find out more about our Fellows in the gallery below, and you can watch an interview with Fellow Dr Sebastian Eves-van den Akker.
Life as a King's Natural Sciences (Biological) student
Given the diversity of choices, a typical week is hard to define. Cornerstones include lectures and practical classes in the Faculty and supervisions in King’s. Each contribute to building your knowledge, aptitude, and reasoning in the chosen subject. Supervisions are small group (usually one to three) interactive sessions which occur once a week per subject and give time to reflect on the learning for the week, ask questions about the material, and integrate information. Supervisions often include set work to cement the understanding, which may take the form of essays, presentations, or problem sheets. King’s typically admits approximately six to eight Natural Sciences (Biological) students per year.
As a Biological Natural Sciences student hoping to work in global health and development, I have found my studies at King's to be a remarkably enriching experience. Especially in first year, many of my lectures and practicals were conveniently located within a 5–10 minute walk from my accommodation in college. Some of my supervisors were also directly involved in teaching the course, which meant our supervision sessions offered unique perspectives and deeper insights into topics.
- Zinzi, 2nd year
Careers and graduate opportunities
The Natural Sciences course prepares students well for the challenges of research, especially in emerging, interdisciplinary areas. Many graduates continue with further study or research, and many go directly into a broad range of careers, including programming and software development, financial management, management consultancy, and teaching.
