Natural science course

what is the difference between biological and physical natural science?

Hello! The difference is primarily the route you can take through the course, by way of the modules you end up choosing and the A Levels (or equivalent) required to take modules in you first year. For example, you wouldn't be able to take the Physics module in first year if you didn't take Physics A Level. You can find a break down here: https://www.natsci.tripos.cam.ac.uk/subject-information/part1a

It's also determined by your interests! Do you want to focus on more biological aspects of the sciences, or the more physical ones?

However, there is a lot of flexibility within the course and so you are never really tied in to either the Biological or Physics route, especially as many modules fall in a grey area!

What A Levels (or equivalent qualification) are you taking? Typically those taking combinations such as Biology, Chemistry and Maths would apply for Biological Natural Sciences, and those taking Physics, Maths and Further Maths would apply for Physical Natural Sciences.

Thank you! I'm about to start year 12 this September and I'm thinking of taking math, Fm, chemistry and either biology or physics.

Thank you! I'm about to start year 12 this September and I'm thinking of taking math, Fm, chemistry and either biology or physics.