natural sciences module information

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 on-line Module Handbook at bit.ly/1kzEs5a or by following the Module search link.

University of Birmingham Provisional Natural Sciences modules in Years 1 - 3

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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 3

BIOLOGY 5

CHEMISTRY 7

GEOLOGY 10

GEOGRAPHY 13

MATHEMATICS 15

PHYSICS 17

PSYCHOLOGY 22

SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCES 24


3

Biochemistry BIOCHEMISTRY (Molecular) Year 1 40 credits Available with these other major subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Sportex

Year 2 40 80 credits

Semester Credits Module Title 1 10 Biochemistry 1 10 Cell Biology & Physiology 2 20 Enzymes & Metabolism

Semester Credits Module title Compulsory modules

1 20 Membranes, Energy & Metabolism

2 20 Proteins & Enzymes Options depending on your other Major subject

1 20 Topics in Medical Sciences 2 20 Cell & Developmental Biology 2 20 Human Structure and Function


4

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 Mechanisms of Toxicity & Disease Or Eukaryotic Gene Expression

20 Molecular & Cellular Immunology 20 Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection FURTHER OPTIONS Timetabling of these modules will depend on whether you retain a second Major subject

20 Cellular Neurobiology Or Applied & Environmental Microbiology

20 Cellular Signalling 20 Bacterial Gene Regulation 20 Cancer Biology 20 Structures of Destruction 20 Experimental Design, Analysis & Interpretation

of Biochemical Data PROJECT 20 Evidence-based Literature Review (Part A) 40 Evidence-based Literature Review 40 Laboratory project


5

Biology BIOLOGY (Organismal) Year 1 40 credits

Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Geography, Maths, Physics and Psychology

Year 2 40 80 Credits

Subject to having taken a Plant Sciences option in Year 1

Semester Credits Module Title 1 20 Introduction to Evolution &

Animal Biology 2 20 Genetics I

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 Human Evolution, Adaptation & Behaviour 10 Molecular Biology & its Applications 20 Field Ecology in Birmingham


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BIOLOGY (Organismal) 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 Bacterial Gene Regulation 20 Eukaryotic Gene Expression 20 Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection 20 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


7

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 CHM2C1-A* (Physical Chem)

1 10 Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Spectroscopy

CHM2C1-B 2 10 Non-Ideal Thermodynamics & Equilibrium Electrochemistry

CHM2C2-A* (Inorganic Chem)

1 10 Chemistry of the Elements: p - Block Chemistry

CHM2C2-B 2 10 Chemistry of the Elements: d Block Chemistry

CHM2C3-A* (Organic Chem)

1 10 Synthesis & Mechanism IIa


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CHM2C3-B 2 10 Synthesis & Mechanism IIb CHM2WS-A** (Structure determin.)

1 10 Determination of Structure

CHM2WS - B**

2 10 Symmetry, Group Theory and Vibrational Spectroscopy

CHM3A3II

CHM3A3I

CHM2C1B

CHM2C1A

CHM3A1II

CHM3A1I

CHM2C2B

CHM2C2A

CHM3A2II

CHM3A2I

CHM2C3B

CHM2C3A

Year 2

Year 3


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CHEMISTRY 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 10 Organic Chemistry I CHM3A2I 2 10 Organic Chemistry II CHM3A2II 1 10 Physical Chemistry I CHM3A3I 2 10 Physical Chemistry II CHM3A3II 1 or 2 20 or

40 Chemistry Project


10

Geology GEOLOGY (for 2014-5)

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

Year 1 40 credits

Code Sem

ester Credits Module Title

Compulsory modules

ESCM 101 1 1 + 2 20 Earth Systems and Sedimentary rocks

Optional modules2

Life Sciences ESCM 103 1 10 Earth History ESCM 1073 2 10 Introduction to

Palaeontology Physical Sciences

ESCM 109 4 1 10 Geological Structures & Tectonics

ESCM TBA 5 1 10 Earth Materials


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GEOLOGY (for 2015-6) Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Psychology and Sportex


Code Sem

ester Credits

Module Title

Compulsory modules

ESCM 131 1

1 + 2, Easter Vac

20 Field Studies 1

Optional modules 2

Life Sciences

ESCM 213 2 10 Environmental and Evolutionary Palaeobiology

Physical sciences

ESCM 203 2 10 Applied Geophysics ESCM 204 1 10 Continental deformation ESC M272 1 10 Resources of the Earth ESC M221 1 10 Hydrogeology ESCM 209 1 + 2 20 Sedimentology


12

GEOLOGY (for 2016-7)

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


Code Semester Credits Module Title Optional modules 1

Life Sciences

ESCM 319 2 2 20 Evolution of Vertebrates ESCM 320 1 20 Micropalaeontology Physical Sciences

ESC M301 1 10 Global Tectonics ESC M312 3 2 10 Magmatic and Metamorphic

Process Other modules

ESCM 338 4 1 10 Basic Evolution & Neotectonics ESCM 329 1 / 2 20 Managing geological hazards

& anthropogenic impacts ESCM 323 2 20 Applied Geology: Engineering

geology & pollution hydrogeology

ESCM 308 2, 5 2 20 Petroleum Geoscience ESCM 317 2 10 Palaeoclimates ESCM 318 1 20 Sedimentary Basin Analysis

ES20LH

1 and 2 20 Project/Dissertation

ES30LH 1 and 2 30 Project/Dissertation


13

Geography GEOGRAPHY Year 1 40 credits Available with these other major subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Sportex

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 Environmental Assessment &

Management 1 & 2 20 Hydroclimatology: Climate and Water 1 & 2 20 Ecological Systems Options depending on your other major subject 1 & 2 20 Reconstructing Quaternary

Environments 1 & 2 20 Geomorphological Processes 1 & 2 20 Environmental Transfer Processes 1 & 2 20 Research Methods for Dissertations

Semester Credits Module Title 1 + 2 20 Earth and Ecological Systems 1 + 2 20 Global Environmental Issues


14

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 20 Climates of the Past 1 20 Environment & Landscape Change 1 20 Weather, Climate and Society 2 20 Landscape and Urban Ecology 2 20 Applied Micrometeorology Project 1 & 2 40 Geography dissertation


15

Mathematics MATHEMATICS Year 1 40 credits Available with these other major subjects: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Psychology and Sportex

Year 2 40 80 credits Semester Credits Module Title Compulsory modules 1 & 2 20 Multivariable & Vector Analysis 1 10 Linear Algebra 2 10 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 20 Real and Complex Analysis 1 10 Numerical Methods & Programming 2 10 Mechanics

Semester Credits Module Title 1 20 Real Analysis and the Calculus 2 20 Vectors, Geometry & Linear Algebra


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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 Linear Programming & Intro to

Operation Management 1 & 2 20 Research Skills in Mathematics

1 & 2 20 Project


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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 Quantum Mechanics Optics & Waves

1 10 Classical Mechanics & Relativity 2 20 Electromagnetism, Temperature &

Matter 1 & 2 20 Mathematics for Physicists 1A


18

PHYSICS Year 2 60 80 credits Available with these other major subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Sportex Semester Credits Module Title

Compulsory modules

1 & 2 20 Mathematics for Physicists 2* (Timetable)

1 10 Classical Mechanics and Relativity

1 10 Quantum Mechanics 2

2 10 Statistical Physics and Entropy

2 10 Electromagnetism 2

Recommended extra modules

1 10 Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids

2 10 Nuclear Physics & Neutrinos

If your timetable allows, take a combination of the above Recommended extras:

1 & 2 10 Particles and Nuclei & Nuclear Physics


19

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 Quantum Mechanics 3 OPTIONS

1 10 Images and Communications

1 10 Observational Cosmology

1 10 Statistical Physics

1 10 Introduction to C++

1 10 Medical Imaging

1 10 Fission & Fusion

1 10 Critique

1 10 The Life and Death of Stars

1 10 Relative Astrophysics of Black Holes

1 10 Numerical Modelling of Physical Systems

1 10 Semiconductor Optoelectronics (proposed module)

2 10 Condensed Matter Physics


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2 10 Nanoscale Physics

2 10 Particle Physics

2 20 Physics Project (Group Studies)

2 10 Physics Teaching in Schools

2 10 Interstellar Medium

2 10 Planetary Astronomy & Extrasolar Planets

2 10 Image Processing

2 10 Insights into Stellar Structure

2 10 Atomic Physics

2 10 General Physics

2 10 Nuclear Physics

2 10 Evolution of Cosmic Structure

2 10 Biological Nanomachines

MSci (taking Physics in Year 4) Up to 120 credits COMPULSORY

1 10 Quantum Mechanics 3 1 10 Statistical Physics 2 20 Physics Project (Group Studies)


21

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 10 Perception and Attention 1 10 Introduction to Learning 1 10 Introduction to Psychobiology: From

Ion Channels to Abnormal Behaviour 2 10 Memory and Language 2 10 Introduction to Mental Health and

Psychological Problems 2 10 Psychobiology of Memory, Emotion

and Motivation Year 2 40 80 credits

Semester Credits Module Title Modules to fit with your timetable for core modules in your other Major subject 1 10 Visual Perceptions and Illusions 1 10 The Development of Attachment


22

Behaviour 1 10 Intro to Social Psychology 2 10 Introduction to Psycholinguistics 2 10 Cognition in Infants & Children 2 10 Neural Basis of Movement 2 10 Personality at Work Options depending on your other major subject 1 10 Introduction to Forensic Psychology 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 20 Forensic Psychology 1 20 The Lying Brain: an examination of

hallucinations & delusions in the normal, clinical &pathological populations

1 20 Understanding Emotions: A Neurocognitive Perspective

1 20 Visual Cognitive Neuroscience and Art 2 20 Development & Disorders of Language

in Children 2 20 Sleep 2 20 Clinical Psychology of Severe


23

Intellectual Disability 2 20 Brain Damage and Aging in the

Attentional System Options Timetabling of these modules will depend on whether you retain a second Major subject 1 20 Parental Cognition, Psycho-pathology

& Behaviour 1 20 Why We Eat What we Eat: A

Psychological Perspective on Appetite 1 20 Adult Neuropsychological Syndromes 1 20 Why We Remember, and Why We

Forget 2 20 Communities and Social Action 2 20 Higher Cognitive Functions in Children,

Adults & Non-human Animals 2 20 Speaking & Reading 2 20 What Makes a Mental Illness PROJECT 1 & 2 40 Project (No regular teaching session

but some one-off lectures)


24

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 20 Anatomy & Biomechanics in Sport 1 20 Human Physiology 1 20 Psychological Foundations: Sport &

Exercise 2 20 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

1 & 2 20 Exercise Physiology (prereq is Yr 1 Human Physiology)

1 & 2 20 Applications of Sport & Exercise Psychology (prereq is Yr 1 Psychological Foundations of Sport & Exercise)

1 & 2 20 Sensation & Movement (prereq is Yr 1 Anatomy, Biomechanics and Motor Control)

1 & 2 20 Exercise Metabolism (prereq: Yr 1 Biochemistry & cell physiology)


25

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

1 Psychology of Lifestyle Physical

Activity1

Sport Psychophysiology1

Behavioural Medicine1

Motivation in Sport and Exercise Settings

2 Applied motor control

Techniques in Neuroscience

Skill Acquisition and Motor Learning

Neuroplasticity and Neurorehabilitation

3 Environmental physiology

Human Cardiovascular

control in exercise

Respiratory control during exercise

4 Mechanisms of Adaptation to

training

Exercise and Behavioural Immunology

Sports Nutrition

Oxidative stress in Exercise, Ageing and

Disease

1 Knowledge of advanced statistics is required for three modules Additional option of a 40 credit Project

PHYSICSImages and CommunicationsObservational CosmologyStatistical PhysicsIntroduction to C++Medical ImagingFission & Fusion CritiqueThe Life and Death of StarsRelative Astrophysics of Black HolesNumerical Modelling of Physical SystemsSemiconductor Optoelectronics (proposed module)Condensed Matter PhysicsNanoscale PhysicsParticle PhysicsPhysics Project (Group Studies)Physics Teaching in SchoolsInterstellar MediumPlanetary Astronomy & Extrasolar PlanetsImage ProcessingInsights into Stellar StructureAtomic Physics General Physics Nuclear PhysicsEvolution of Cosmic StructureBiological NanomachinesStatistical PhysicsPhysics Project (Group Studies)

natural sciences module information

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