Natural Sciences Programmes

Provisional Module Choices

Major Subjects
2014/15

BSc Natural Sciences (CFG0)

BSc Natural Sciences with a Year in Continental Europe (FCG0)
MSci Natural Sciences (CF13)
Note: Some optional modules may have prerequisites, which are
omitted in this information.
Synopses for modules listed in this booklet are available via the online Module Handbook at bit.ly/1kzEs5a or by following the Module
search link.

University of Birmingham

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

Introduction
The Natural Sciences course at Birmingham offers the opportunity to study two
science subjects to degree level, including the possibility of following minor subjects
in first and second year. Apart from the first year, you have significant flexibility in
allocating credits between the two majors, and you can choose to include or leave
aside the minor subject in second year.
Natural Sciences students have highly individualized timetables that depend on what
the majors are, and how credits are split between the majors in 2nd and final year.
The programme leader and major subject leads will assist in compiling a workable
timetable that accommodates your study preferences. A student studies a total of
120 credits in each year.
Because the syllabus draws from active teaching programmes in the contributing
academic Schools, the roster of modules available for Natural Sciences students is
subject to change. The information provided in this booklet is current as of July
2014, but may change by the time you enter the course or a particular year of
the course.
The University of Birminghams on-line Module Handbook provides access to
synopses of each individual module, and you can search for particular entries by
typing the module title in the search page. By choosing the Department/School or
particular years of study, you can restrict the number of entries returned to your
query.
Note, in University parlance, the years of study are known as follows:
First year (BSc, MSci))

Certificate Level (C)

Second year (BSc, MSci)

Intermediate level (I)

Third Year (BSc, MSci)

Honours Level (H)

Masters Year (MSci)

Masters Level (M)

On the following pages you find will modules available for your major subjects
BIOCHEMISTRY

BIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

GEOLOGY

10

GEOGRAPHY

13

MATHEMATICS

15

PHYSICS

17

PSYCHOLOGY

22

SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCES

24

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

Biochemistry

BIOCHEMISTRY (Molecular)

Year 1

40 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biology,

Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Sportex
Semester
1
1
2

Credits
10
10
20

Year 2

40 80 credits

Semester

Credits

Compulsory modules

Module Title
Biochemistry
Cell Biology & Physiology
Enzymes & Metabolism

Module title

20

Membranes, Energy &

Metabolism

20

Proteins & Enzymes

Options depending on your other Major subject

20

Topics in Medical Sciences

20

Cell & Developmental Biology

20

Human Structure and Function

University of Birmingham

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

BIOCHEMISTRY (Molecular)

Year 3

40 120 credits

Credits Module Title

Modules (These will fit with your timetable for core modules in
your other Major if you continue to study two Major subjects)

20
20
20

Mechanisms of Toxicity & Disease

Or
Eukaryotic Gene Expression
Molecular & Cellular Immunology
Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection

FURTHER OPTIONS Timetabling of these modules will depend

on whether you retain a second Major subject

20
20
20
20
20
20

Cellular Neurobiology
Or
Applied & Environmental Microbiology
Cellular Signalling
Bacterial Gene Regulation
Cancer Biology
Structures of Destruction
Experimental Design, Analysis & Interpretation
of Biochemical Data

PROJECT
20
Evidence-based Literature Review (Part A)
40
Evidence-based Literature Review
40
Laboratory project
4

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

Biology

BIOLOGY (Organismal)

Year 1

40 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry,

Earth Sciences, Geography, Maths, Physics and Psychology
Semester Credits

Module Title
Introduction to Evolution &
Animal Biology
Genetics I

20

20

Year 2

40 80 Credits

Credits

Module Title

Core modules Two of these modules should normally be taken

20

Microbes & Man

20

Animal Biology

20

Cell & Developmental Biology

20

Plant Sciences: from Cells to the Environment

Options depending on your other major subject

20

Genetics II

20
10
20

Human Evolution, Adaptation & Behaviour

Molecular Biology & its Applications
Field Ecology in Birmingham

Subject to having taken a Plant Sciences option in Year 1

5

University of Birmingham

BIOLOGY (Organismal)

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

Year 3

40 120 credits

Credits Module Title

Modules (These will fit with your timetable for core modules in

your other Major if you continue to study two Major subjects)

20

Cellular Neurobiology, Or
Applied & Environmental Microbiology

20

Human Evolution; Or
Plant Sciences in the 21st Century; Or
Structures of Destruction

FURTHER OPTIONS Timetabling of these modules will depend

on whether you retain a second Major subject

20
20
20
20

Bacterial Gene Regulation

Eukaryotic Gene Expression
Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
Genetics III: Variations in Humans and other
Eukaryotes
20
Living in Groups: Collective Behaviour in Animals
20
Cancer Biology
20
Molecular and Cellular Immunology
20
Conservation Biology
20
Advanced topics in Animal Behaviour
20
Adaptations to Changing Environments
20
Human Biology & Reproductive Development
PROJECT
20
Evidence-based Literature Review (Part A)
40
Evidence-based Literature Review
40
Laboratory project
6

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

Chemistry
CHEMISTRY

Year 1

40 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry,

Earth Sciences, Geography, Maths, Physics and Psychology
Semester Credits Module Title
1
20
Chemistry for Natural Sciences I
2
20
Chemistry for Natural Sciences II

Year 2

40 80 credits of paired modules

School code

Semester

Credits

Module Title

10

Quantum Mechanics and Atomic

Spectroscopy

10

Non-Ideal Thermodynamics &

Equilibrium Electrochemistry

CHM2C2-A* 1
(Inorganic
Chem)
CHM2C2-B 2

10

Chemistry of the Elements:

p - Block Chemistry

10

Chemistry of the Elements:

d Block Chemistry

CHM2C3-A* 1
(Organic
Chem)

10

Synthesis & Mechanism IIa

CHM2C1-A* 1
(Physical
Chem)
CHM2C1-B 2

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

CHM2C3-B 2
CHM2WS- 1
A**
(Structure
determin.)
CHM2WS - 2
B**

10
10

Synthesis & Mechanism IIb

Determination of Structure

10

Symmetry, Group Theory

Vibrational Spectroscopy

CHM2C1A

CHM2C2A

CHM2C3A

CHM2C1B

CHM2C2B

CHM2C3B

CHM3A3I

CHM3A1I

CHM3A2I

CHM3A3II

CHM3A1II

CHM3A2II

Year 2

Year 3

and

University of Birmingham

CHEMISTRY

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

Year 3

40 100 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry,

Earth Sciences, Geography, Maths, Physics and Psychology
Semester Credits Module Title
1
10
Inorganic Chemistry I CHM3A1I
2
10
Inorganic Chemistry II CHM3A1II
1
2

10
10

Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II

CHM3A2I
CHM3A2II

1
2

10
10

Physical Chemistry I
Physical Chemistry II

CHM3A3I
CHM3A3II

1 or 2

20
40

or Chemistry Project

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

Geology

GEOLOGY (for 2014-5)

Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry,
Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology and
Sportex
Year 1
Code

40 credits

Sem Credits Module Title

ester

Compulsory
modules
ESCM 101 1

1 + 2 20

Earth Systems and

Sedimentary rocks

Optional
modules2
Life Sciences
ESCM 103
ESCM 1073

1
2

10
10

Earth History
Introduction to
Palaeontology

Physical
Sciences
ESCM 109 4

10

ESCM TBA 5

10

Geological Structures &

Tectonics
Earth Materials

10

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

GEOLOGY (for 2015-6)

Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry,
Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology and
Sportex
Year 2 40 80 credits
Code

Sem
ester

Credi Module Title

ts

1 + 2,
Easter
Vac

20

Field Studies 1

Optional
modules 2
Life
Sciences
ESCM 213

10

Environmental and Evolutionary

Palaeobiology

Physical
sciences
ESCM 203
ESCM 204

2
1

10
10

Applied Geophysics
Continental deformation

ESC M272
ESC M221

1
1

10
10

Resources of the Earth

Hydrogeology

ESCM 209

1+2

20

Sedimentology

Compulsory
modules
ESCM 131 1

11

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

GEOLOGY (for 2016-7)

Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry,
Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology and
Sportex
Year 3 40 120 credits
Code

Semester

Credits Module Title

Optional
modules 1
Life
Sciences
ESCM 319 2
ESCM 320
Physical
Sciences
ESC M301
ESC M312 3

2
1

20
20

Evolution of Vertebrates
Micropalaeontology

1
2

10
10

Global Tectonics
Magmatic and Metamorphic
Process

Other
modules
ESCM 338 4
ESCM 329

1
1/2

10
20

ESCM 323

20

ESCM 308 2, 5 2
ESCM 317
2
ESCM 318
1

20
10
20

Basic Evolution & Neotectonics

Managing geological hazards
& anthropogenic impacts
Applied Geology: Engineering
geology & pollution
hydrogeology
Petroleum Geoscience
Palaeoclimates
Sedimentary Basin Analysis

ES20LH

1 and 2

20

Project/Dissertation

ES30LH

1 and 2

30

Project/Dissertation
12

University of Birmingham

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

Geography
GEOGRAPHY

Year 1

40 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biology,

Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Sportex
Semester Credits Module Title
1+2
20
Earth and Ecological Systems
1+2
20
Global Environmental Issues

Year 2

40 80 credits

Semester Credits Module Title

Modules to fit with your timetable for core modules in your
other Major subject

1&2

20

1&2
1&2

20
20

Environmental Assessment &

Management
Hydroclimatology: Climate and Water
Ecological Systems

Options depending on your other major subject

1&2

20

1&2
1&2

20
20

Reconstructing Quaternary
Environments
Geomorphological Processes
Environmental Transfer Processes

1&2

20

Research Methods for Dissertations

13

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

GEOGRAPHY

Year 3

40 120 credits

Semester Credits Module Title

Modules (These will fit with your timetable for core modules in

your other Major if you continue to study two Major subjects)

2
1
1
2
2

20
20
20
20
20

Climates of the Past

Environment & Landscape Change
Weather, Climate and Society
Landscape and Urban Ecology
Applied Micrometeorology

Project
1&2

40

Geography dissertation

14

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

Mathematics

MATHEMATICS Year 1

40 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry,

Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Psychology and Sportex
Semester Credits Module Title

1
2

20
20

Real Analysis and the Calculus

Vectors, Geometry & Linear Algebra

Year 2

40 80 credits

Semester Credits Module Title

Compulsory modules

1&2
1
2

20
10
10

Multivariable & Vector Analysis

Linear Algebra
Probability & Statistics

Modules to fit with your timetable for core modules in your

other Major subject

1&2

20

Algebra & Combinatorics

Options depending on your other major subject

1&2
1
2

20
10
10

Real and Complex Analysis

Numerical Methods & Programming
Mechanics
15

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

MATHEMATICS

Year 3

40 120 credits

Semester Credits Module Title

Modules (These will fit with your timetable for core modules in

your other Major if you continue to study two Major subjects)

1&2

20

Number Theory

1&2

20

Computability & Logic

1&2

20

Graph Theory

Options depending on your other major subject

1&2

20

Real and Complex Variable Theory

1&2

20

Linear Programming, and Symmetry &

Groups

1&2

20

1&2

20

1&2

20

Linear Programming & Intro to

Operation Management
Research Skills in Mathematics
Project

16

University of Birmingham

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

Physics
PHYSICS

Available with these other major subjects: Biology,

Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Sportex
Year 1 40 credits (+ 20 credits Maths as
shown)
Semester Credits Module Title
1

10

1
2

10
20

1&2

20

Quantum Mechanics Optics &

Waves
Classical Mechanics & Relativity
Electromagnetism, Temperature &
Matter
Mathematics for Physicists 1A

17

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

PHYSICS

Year 2

60 80 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biology,

Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Sportex
Module Title

Semester Credits

Compulsory modules
1&2

20

Mathematics for Physicists 2*

(Timetable)

10

Classical Mechanics and Relativity

10

Quantum Mechanics 2

10

Statistical Physics and Entropy

10

Electromagnetism 2

Recommended extra modules

1

10

Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum

Approach to Solids

10

Nuclear Physics & Neutrinos

If your timetable allows, take a combination of the above

Recommended extras:
1&2

10

Particles and Nuclei & Nuclear

Physics

18

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

PHYSICS

Year 3

40 120 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biology,

Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Sportex
Semester

Credits

Module Title

COMPULSORY
1
10
OPTIONS

Quantum Mechanics 3

10

Images and Communications

10

Observational Cosmology

10

Statistical Physics

10

Introduction to C++

10

Medical Imaging

10

Fission & Fusion

10

Critique

10

The Life and Death of Stars

10

Relative Astrophysics of Black Holes

10

Numerical Modelling of Physical Systems

10

Semiconductor Optoelectronics
(proposed module)

10

Condensed Matter Physics

19

University of Birmingham

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

10

Nanoscale Physics

10

Particle Physics

20

Physics Project (Group Studies)

10

Physics Teaching in Schools

10

Interstellar Medium

10

Planetary Astronomy & Extrasolar Planets

10

Image Processing

10

Insights into Stellar Structure

10

Atomic Physics

10

General Physics

10

Nuclear Physics

10

Evolution of Cosmic Structure

10

Biological Nanomachines

MSci (taking Physics in Year 4)

Up to 120 credits

COMPULSORY

1
1
2

10
10
20

Quantum Mechanics 3
Statistical Physics
Physics Project (Group Studies)
20

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

Psychology

PSYCHOLOGY

Year 1

40 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biology,

Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Maths and Sportex
Choose 40 credits from:
Semester Credits Module Title
Modules to fit with your timetable for core modules in your
other Major subject

1
1
1

10
10
10

2
2

10
10

10

Year 2

Perception and Attention

Introduction to Learning
Introduction to Psychobiology: From
Ion Channels to Abnormal Behaviour
Memory and Language
Introduction to Mental Health and
Psychological Problems
Psychobiology of Memory, Emotion
and Motivation

40 80 credits

Semester Credits Module Title

Modules to fit with your timetable for core modules in your
other Major subject

1
1

10
10

Visual Perceptions and Illusions

The Development of Attachment
21

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

1
2
2
2
2

10
10
10
10
10

Behaviour
Intro to Social Psychology
Introduction to Psycholinguistics
Cognition in Infants & Children
Neural Basis of Movement
Personality at Work

Options depending on your other major subject

10

PSYCHOLOGY

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Year 3

40 120 credits

Semester Credits Module Title

Modules (These will fit with your timetable for core modules in
your other Major if you continue to study two Major subjects)

1
1

20
20

20

20

20

2
2

20
20

Forensic Psychology
The Lying Brain: an examination of
hallucinations & delusions in the
normal, clinical &pathological
populations
Understanding Emotions: A
Neurocognitive Perspective
Visual Cognitive Neuroscience and Art

Development & Disorders of Language

in Children
Sleep
Clinical Psychology of Severe
22

University of Birmingham

20

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

Intellectual Disability
Brain Damage and Aging in the
Attentional System

Options Timetabling of these modules will depend on

whether you retain a second Major subject

20

20

1
1

20
20

2
2

20
20

2
2

20
20

PROJECT
1&2
40

Parental Cognition, Psycho-pathology

& Behaviour
Why We Eat What we Eat: A
Psychological Perspective on Appetite
Adult Neuropsychological Syndromes
Why We Remember, and Why We
Forget
Communities and Social Action
Higher Cognitive Functions in Children,
Adults & Non-human Animals
Speaking & Reading
What Makes a Mental Illness
Project (No regular teaching session
but some one-off lectures)

23

University of Birmingham

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

Sport and Exercise Science

SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE

Year 1

40 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry,

Earth Sciences, Geography, Maths, Physics and Psychology
Choose 40 credits from these options
Semester Credits Module Title
Modules to fit with your timetable for core modules in your
other Major subject

1&2
1
1

20
20
20

20

Anatomy & Biomechanics in Sport

Human Physiology
Psychological Foundations: Sport &
Exercise
Biochemistry & Cell Physiology

Suitable background, good marks & additional reading over the summer will allow
entry to one Year 2 module without the Year 1 module pre-requisite, subject to
approval of the Yr 2 module organiser

Year 2

40 60 credits

Semester Credits Module Title

Exercise Physiology
1&2
20
(prereq is Yr 1 Human Physiology)
Applications of Sport & Exercise Psychology
1&2
20
(prereq is Yr 1 Psychological Foundations of
Sport & Exercise)
Sensation & Movement
1&2
20
(prereq is Yr 1 Anatomy, Biomechanics and
Motor Control)
Exercise Metabolism
1&2
20
(prereq: Yr 1 Biochemistry & cell physiology)
24

Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

University of Birmingham

SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE Year 3 40 80 credits

(taught modules)
Students take horizontal selections of up to 80 credits of
modules
Semester 1

Semester 2

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Psychology of
Lifestyle Physical
Activity1

Sport
Psychophysiology1

Behavioural
Medicine1

Motivation in Sport
and Exercise Settings

Applied motor
control

Techniques in
Neuroscience

Skill Acquisition
and Motor
Learning

Neuroplasticity and
Neurorehabilitation

Environmental
physiology

Human
Cardiovascular
control in exercise

Respiratory control
during exercise

Mechanisms of
Adaptation to
training

Sports Nutrition

Oxidative stress in
Exercise, Ageing and
Disease

Exercise and
Behavioural
Immunology

Knowledge of advanced statistics is required for three modules

Additional option of a 40 credit Project

25