Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences - BSc (Hons)

Explore science from multiple disciplinary perspectives, embrace cross-pollination of ideas and harness your interdisciplinary background to tackle some of the world's most pressing societal concerns. You will graduate with the scientific, research and communication skills to enter a wide variety of roles.

Year of entry

2023 - for 2022 entry see here

Course type

Single Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Geography, Geology and the Environment

UCAS code

CFG0

Duration of study

3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Enquire about this course Book an open day Chat to students

Why study Natural Sciences at Keele University?

Among the first in the UK to be accredited by The Society for Natural Sciences in recognition of its outstanding quality in providing interdisciplinary scientific education

Explore and debate multi-disciplinary scientific perspectives with peers from your cohort

Focus on real-world problems and contribute to positive change

Access to Keele’s state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

Graduate with a breadth of scientific knowledge and an independent and creative approach to problem solving

Course overview

Many challenges facing society today are beyond the scope of a single academic discipline or area of research. They require a cross-disciplinary approach whereby experts from across the sectors collaborate, think creatively and synthesise ideas to identify and implement solutions.

This interdisciplinary approach is at the heart of our Natural Sciences BSc. Our applied programme encourages a way of thinking that blends scientific knowledge with an awareness of social, economic and ethical issues to address some of the world's most pressing societal concerns - such as mitigating climate change and providing long term food security.

Core subject

In your first year you will choose a core science subject that aligns to your career aspirations or interests. Optional and compulsory modules from your core science will account for half of your studies in each year of your studies. This typically mirrors the modules a Combined Honours student would be taking in that discipline.

Core subject options include:

Chemistry
Forensic Science
Physics
Astrophysics
Environmental Science
Geology
Geography (Physical)
Psychology
Computer Science
Mathematics
Biology

The remaining half of your learning consists of a mix of compulsory modules that cover the full range of disciplines offered by the programme and optional modules that allows you to mix and match different subject topics.

Collaboration

The interdisciplinary sessions within the programme include shared learning with Liberal Arts students. This encourages cross-pollination of ideas and enables you to debate and explore scientific problems from different perspectives.

Year one

The first year of the programme is carefully designed to enable common understanding of the core disciplines contributing to the BSc Natural Sciences programme.

During year one you will discuss key examples of how core disciplines combine for interdisciplinarity, consider the historical development of the natural science subjects and acquire key-skills in scientific writing.

Year two

Year two's core interdisciplinary modules will include evaluating how interdisciplinary practice in the Natural Sciences relates to complex societal challenges and searching and reviewing academic literature relating to current interdisciplinary debates.

To develop your understanding of how the Natural Sciences, the Liberal Arts, and interdisciplinary practice relate to human society and the complex challenges faced by the world and the people in it - you will engage with the Grand Challenges lecture series at Keele and write a report and film a short video summarising one of the talks.

You will also prepare for your final year dissertation in the Research Skills for Natural Scientists module - preparing a critical literature review of your research area and research proposal achievable as a third year independent research project.

Year three

During year three our Grand Challenges Lecture Series will provide the stimulation for seminars and a group project will enable you to reflect, analyse, comment, pursue and present your own ideas and solutions to the Grand Challenges in Society.

You will also undertake an interdisciplinary research project, which represents the culmination of your interdisciplinary research training and practice through BSc Natural Sciences. You will develop detailed knowledge and understanding of a specific interdisciplinary research theme through carrying out an independent desk-based research project. You will present your research as a formal written dissertation and also as a conference style poster at Keele University’s annual Student Learning Undergraduate Conference.

Course structure

The structure of our programme enables you to combine your interests in one core science discipline, multiple additional sciences, and interdisciplinary practice.

Learn from our campus - our own 'living laboratory'

If you are interested in choosing a course that involves fieldwork or practical experiments as part of your Natural Sciences programme - our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic experimentation environment to test new ideas and discover solutions to real-world problems.

From our lake system and extensive woodlands to the mining and industrial heritage of the local area, there are many opportunities to study in an authentic environment whilst practicing sustainably.

Gain experience in industry

Between years two and three of your degree, you can choose to spend a year gaining work experience with a company or organisation that is related to the subjects you are studying in your degree. This will benefit you by providing familiarisation with the professional working environment and the opportunity to apply the skills and theories you have learnt.

You may source your own placement to suit future career aspirations and interests, or take advantage of our links with existing placement providers. Work experience in your area of interest will not only demonstrate your commitment and passion, but will also enable you to make meaningful connections by networking with experts in the field. Throughout your placement you will be supported by a dedicated university supervisor.

International year

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enable you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Support

We offer a robust, multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters related to your course on a regular basis. You will also have access to an academic mentor and Keele's Student Experience and Support team.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to your field is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.

Related courses

Many of the programmes listed below are available as combined honours programmes. Further details can be found on the links below.

Next Steps

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Accreditation and professional recognition

Our BSc Natural Sciences degree is among the first in the UK to be accredited by The Society for Natural Sciences in recognition of its outstanding quality in providing interdisciplinary scientific education.

Accredited status means the course has been recognised for it's academic excellence and ensures your degree best prepares you for the world of employment or research in a natural sciences-related field.

Natural Sciences programmes accredited

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Placement year International year GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom and International students.

A Level requirements

ABC / BBB
Including 2 Science A Levels at Grade B. Science subjects include: Applied ICT, Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science/Studies, Food Science/Technology, Further Maths, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Sports Science and Statistics.

The following additional entry requirements are required for students choosing these subjects as a 'core science':
Mathematics – grade B in A-level Mathematics
Chemistry – grade B in A-level Chemistry
Forensic Science – grade B in either A-Level Chemistry or Biology
Astrophysics or Physics – grade B in A-level Physics or Mathematics. If Mathematics is presented without Physics please contact us for advice

GCSE requirements

Mathematics at C (or 4) and
English Language/Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

DDM
You must have taken sufficient Science units, please contact Admissions for advice

International Baccalaureate

H5, H5, H5 or 30 points overall. Must include 2 science subjects at H5.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 122 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. You must have taken sufficient Science credits, please contact Admissions for advice.

T Levels

Merit overall in:

Science
Healthcare Science

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Next Steps

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Sector-leading in environmental education

At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies.

We are proud to be named Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards, 2021), which demonstrates our commitment to embedding sustainability into all that we do.

You will find sustainability embedded within all of our science modules with the aim of educating to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

Find out more about Keele’s commitment to sustainability.

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Modules

Modules for Natural Sciences

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

COMPULSORY MODULES

OPTIONAL MODULES

COMPULSORY MODULES

OPTIONAL MODULES

COMPULSORY MODULES

Grand Challenges in Society
Natural Sciences Interdisciplinary Research Project

OPTIONAL MODULES

Chemistry optional modules:

Chemical Kinetics, Photochemistry & Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Inorganic, Physical & Solid State Chemistry
Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Research Project
Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Dissertation
Advanced Chemical Analysis

Environmental Science optional modules:

Clean Technology
Sustainability Consultancy
The Science of Soil

Geography optional modules:

Glaciers and Glacial Geomorphology
Global Environmental Change
Coastal Environments
Applied GIS
Inspirational Landscapes
Postcolonialism in South Asia
Economic Development & Environmental Transformation
Animals and Society
Health Inequalities

Geology optional modules:

Natural Hazards
Geological Communication Skills
Hydrological and Engineering Geology

Please note, you will be requirde to take modules from your selected core discipline, which may include both compulsory and / or optional modules.

Next Steps

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The Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a vibrant hub which promotes interdisciplinarity for all staff and students across the University. Through a stimulating events programme including, the Grand Challenges lecture series, plus a range of conferences, workshops and seminars, the institute provides the space to engage with academic colleagues, practitioners and policy makers and to nurture new ideas and approaches that cross disciplinary boundaries.

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Grand Challenges Lecture Series

From the value of exploration and inequalities within higher education to global vaccine access - our Grand Challenges Lecture Series is at the heart of our Natural Sciences programme. The lectures offer a platform for eminent speakers to discuss topical issues in society.

These lectures are embedded into some of the core modules in the programme and you will reflect and discuss political, ethical and intellectual problems from the different disciplinary perspectives of other students from the course.

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Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences degree. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course structure

Students on the Natural Sciences with Foundation Year course will choose to study two science subjects which will be taught over both semesters (available combinations are subject to timetabling). In addition, students will study the below modules. Students will study a total of 120 credits across both semesters.

FYO-00185	Practical and Academic Skills in Science	15 credits
FYO-00211	Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists	15 credits

Entry requirements

Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above

How to apply

Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences with Foundation Year (UCAS code CFG1) through UCAS at www.ucas.com

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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