Subject Specific Info Pack - What do we study in Natural Science and Chemistry
- Oscar Chong
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
There are many differences between studying natural sciences at Oxford and Cambridge. Cambridge's Natural Sciences are broad-based, which is further divided into biological streams or physical streams. Regardless of which field students want to specialize in, they must first enroll in one of the Natural Sciences groups and then take three to four courses per year. Oxford admits students on a case-by-subject basis, with courses such as Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, etc. available for enrollment.
Students studying chemistry at Oxford start from Year 1, and all courses are related to Chem, or some mathematical knowledge used to supplement Chem, so it is more suitable for students who are sure that they want to major in Chem. If students in the Cambridge Natural Sciences want to study Chem, they can choose Chem as one of the four elective units in Year 1, but they cannot only study Chem. In the three elective courses in Year 2, you can choose up to two subjects to study Chem, and the third subject can be combined with Biochemistry, Material Science, Maths, etc. It is not until Year 3 that you decide to major in Chem, so it is more suitable for students who are not sure what subject they want to major in but are interested in exploring different fields.
Chemistry at Oxford requires four years of study, and you can graduate directly with a master's degree. Cambridge Natural Sciences generally lasts for three years, and after three years, students will receive a Bachelor's Degree (Bachelor's Degree), and some majors offer a 4th Year Course, and students can choose to apply for the 4th Year, and they can also obtain relevant master's qualifications after completion.
Workload
The following summarizes the approximate weekly workload of Cambridge Natural Sciences and Oxford Chemistry. The approximate workload per week. It is worth noting that these two subjects are known as one of the busiest subjects in Cambridge and Oxford respectively, so students should be prepared that they may not have much free time.
Cambridge Natural Sciences
Lectures: 12 hours per week, from 9 a.m., Monday through Saturday
Lab: 9-12 hours a week
Supervisions: 3-4 hours a week
Oxford Chemistry
Lectures: 10 hours per week, Monday through Friday
Lab: 12 hours a week
Tutorials: 3-6 hours a week, study 2 weeks in advance
Career Prospects
There are many pathways to study science, especially in Cambridge's natural sciences, where there are many majors to choose from. Many students who apply for Oxbridge Science will aim for scientific research, such as Oxford Chemistry, where about 55% of graduates go on to pursue higher degrees in scientific research. After graduation, you can study for a master's degree / PhD, then work as a lecturer/professor at a university, or do research in private institutions such as innovation and technology companies and pharmaceutical companies. Other students have different developments, such as scientific journalism, consultancy, patent law, finance, banking, education, etc.
Application Procedures
Oxford Chemistry
✅ Interview ❌ Aptitude Test
According to the official website, 73% of applicants were invited for interviews, while 23% were finally accepted Most of the interviews are at the level of Year 1 of college, and there are usually sections of Physical Chem, Organic Chem, and Inorganic Chem
Cambridge Natural Sciences
✅ Interview ✅ Aptitude Test (ESAT)
In recent years, about 80% of applicants have been invited for interviews, and about 20% have been finally accepted During the interview, the professor will assist the students in answering the questions, and the students need to follow the prompts given by the professor to make reasonable guesses, and most importantly, show their logical thinking and thinking process. Even when they are not sure how to solve the problem, they are willing to try to solve the problem step by step. In the case of chemistry, Oxford interviews are more in-depth, but Cambridge requires additional preparation for proficiency tests. In addition to chemistry, the Cambridge interview is likely to involve knowledge of physics or biology. If your classmates have a certain level of confidence in fields other than chemistry, enrolling in Cambridge can give you more opportunities to excel in different fields; If students have a relatively in-depth understanding of chemistry at A level or Year 1 level, enrolling in Oxford may be a better fit.
During the interview, the professor will assist the students in answering the questions, and the students need to follow the prompts given by the professor to make reasonable guesses, and most importantly, show their logical thinking and thinking process. Even when they are not sure how to solve the problem, they are willing to try to solve the problem step by step.
In the case of chemistry at Oxford, interviews are more in-depth, but Cambridge requires additional preparation for proficiency tests. In addition to chemistry, the Cambridge interview is likely to involve knowledge of physics or biology. If your classmates have a certain level of confidence in fields other than chemistry, enrolling in Cambridge can give you more opportunities to excel in different fields; If students have a relatively in-depth understanding of chemistry at A level or Year 1 level, enrolling in Oxford may be a better fit.
Minimum Entrance Grade Requirement
Oxford Chemistry
A-Levels: A*A*A includes Mathematics and Chemistry
DSE: Mathematics Compulsory Part and English 5, 3 Part A elective subjects of 5*5*5, including Chemistry 5*, M1/M2 are regarded as one elective subject
Subject combination
A-Levels: Compulsory Mathematics and Chemistry, plus a science subject or advanced mathematics
DSE: Compulsory Chemistry in a science subject or M1/2
Cambridge Natural Sciences
A-Levels: A*A*A*
DSE: A minimum of 5 for all core subjects, 5* may be required for related core subjects, and 5*5 for three elective subjects
Subject combination
Each college has its own requirements
A-Levels: At least two science/mathematics, some colleges may have higher requirements
DSE: Three electives are required, two of which are Physics/Chemistry/Biology.
All colleges that require A-Levels candidates to hold Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics will require DSE candidates to hold M2 results.
All colleges that only require A-Levels candidates to hold Mathematics will accept DSE candidates with M1 or M2 results.
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