Natural Sciences (Life and Physical Sciences) MSci (Hons)

This four-year degree expands on the Natural Sciences BSc to prepare you for high-level entry into relevant professions. It’s also a solid base for pursuing PhD research.Whether you take a three-year BSc or a four-year MSci, your degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Leicester will provide you with a truly integrated, research-led programme of study. The course is designed around a core set of interdisciplinary modules delivered using a research-based learning approach. This will enable you to tackle cutting-edge scientific issues and to acquire a sound knowledge across the scientific disciplines.You will study fundamental and advanced scientific concepts from the life sciences and the physical sciences in cross-disciplinary contexts where the connections between them are emphasised and explored. In your second, third and fourth years you will have the opportunity to concentrate one of the following specialisms: Chemical Science, Molecular and Cellular Science, Physical Science, Ecological and Zoological ScienceThis course thrives on the University's strong culture of interdisciplinary research: from green chemistry to synthetic biology; from sustainable development to astrobiology. This research focus feeds into the degree itself and you will have the chance to become an active researcher from the very start of your degree. The course provides numerous opportunities to practice confronting scientific problems in novel situations in preparation for a career in academia, industry or other science-related fields.The fourth year (not included in the BSc) provides training that will come in useful if you are thinking of going on to a career in research or academia - including your Research Project, a major piece of individual research on a cutting-edge science topic. You will also study advanced modules in your chosen specialist field and will develop expertise in agent-based modelling in the Modelling Of Complex Systems module.The research-focused structure of your degree will provide the ideal preparation for a graduate career in (and beyond) science. Our core modules include cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as bioinformatics and drug-design, giving you an insight into the important research areas requiring scientists today.The MSci in Natural Sciences is designed to support development of the skills that graduate employers seek. Alongside exams, there is strong emphasis on authentic scientific assessments including group assignments, laboratory portfolios, authoring and reviewing of research papers, presentations and production of scientific posters, as well as more innovative assessments such as museum podcasts.