The STRATEGIC COMMITTEE FOR THE NATURAL SCIENCES TRIPOS beg leave to report to the University as follows:
1. The Natural Sciences Tripos (NST) currently consists of five Parts: Parts IA, IB, II, II (General), and III. Part II (General) is intended for students wishing to read a range of subjects, rather than specializing in a single subject within Part II of the Tripos. The Strategic Committee consider that this distinction between a combined science course and a single science course is no longer appropriate. They propose the abolition of Part II (General) and the introduction of two new subjects into Part II of the Tripos: Biological and Biomedical Sciences and Physical Sciences: the two new subjects would both follow a broader curriculum than other subjects offered in Part II.
2. The proposed changes have been prompted by a number of factors: the popularity of the Part II (General) course has waned in recent years and become more limited in scope as various subjects were withdrawn from the portfolio of courses; the Faculty Board of Biology have concluded that the course structure no longer meets the needs of students reading biological sciences; and a proposal has been put forward by the Faculty Board of Biology to abolish Part II of the Medical and Veterinary Sciences Tripos (MVST) (Reporter, 2004-05, p. 53) with the intention of streamlining the arrangements for pre-clinical medical and veterinary medicine students and their progression towards the B.A. Degree (see paragraph 5).
3. In their recent review of Part II (General) of the Tripos, the Committee concluded that the needs of students reading physical sciences and those of students reading biological sciences were different at the level of Part II, in that various styles of teaching and learning were utilized and different levels of preparation were required for the more detailed understanding of the discrete subject areas. The Committee concluded that two separate 'courses' should be designed to meet the specific needs of the two groups of students. They further concluded that the label 'General' which currently applied was counter-productive in encouraging students to undertake such a course of study. They have therefore agreed that it would be appropriate to replace Part II (General) with the two new subjects in Part II listed in paragraph 1.
4. Both new courses have been designed to make best use of existing provision within Part II of the Tripos. Due to the diversity and complexity of teaching at Part II, there is little scope for the introduction of additional teaching courses. The proposals therefore make use of existing courses while allowing students to offer a more diverse range of subjects with no additional resources required for the delivery of teaching. Students reading either new subject will be integrated into the classes and supervisions of the existing Part II and, where relevant, Part IB courses and will be advised on appropriate combinations of study through the NST website and their Directors of Studies.
5. The principal aim of the subject Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) will be to provide an alternative to a single biological subject Part II primarily for students who have previously read Parts IA and IB of either the NST or the MVST. It will allow students to maintain some breadth in their third year of study and will require the submission of a dissertation rather than a report of a practical research project (which is common to all other biological Part II subjects). The course is therefore suited to students reading the NST who wish to pursue career paths not based in biological research. It is also suited for students who have read the MVST and wish to continue their studies in the Faculty of Biology but do not wish to read the more research-focused subjects at Part II within the NST.
6. The course structure for BBS proposed by the Faculty Board of Biology takes note of the considerable time commitment that project work makes on students reading other Part II subjects in the NST. The Committee therefore propose that candidates reading BBS should offer a 'Major Subject' (which would consist of the non-laboratory components of a biological Part II subject, but may draw on lecture courses offered by more than one Department), a 'Minor Subject' (normally provided by another Department) and a dissertation of up to 6,000 words.
7. The Committee have agreed that such a combination of subjects would provide an educational challenge equivalent in comparison with students taking other biological Part II subjects. Each Major and Minor Subject will cover the aims and learning outcomes of its 'parent' Part II course and will require the same course prerequisites. The range of Major and Minor Subjects will be reviewed annually by the Faculty Board of Biology and announced by Notice in the Reporter not later than the division of the Lent Term in the year before that in which the examination will take place. Students and their Directors of Studies will therefore be aware of the subjects offered before the annual allocation of students to Departments within the Faculty of Biology.
8. The aims of the subject Physical Sciences are similar to those for BBS: Part II Physical Sciences will provide a course for students who would prefer to follow a broader curriculum in physical sciences than that offered in other Part II subjects; and/or provide a course for students who have decided on a career more suited to a broad scientific background and have concluded that a more research-oriented single subject Part II would not meet their needs.
9. The Committee have concluded that the broad structure of the current Part II (General) course remains appropriate for students reading Physical Sciences. They propose that candidates reading Physical Sciences should offer a 'Half Subject' (which would consist of half of an already-existing Part II course in the physical sciences including an appropriate amount of practical work) and a Part IB subject to be chosen from those not previously offered by the candidate for examination. A candidate may instead, if timetabling permitted, offer two Half Subjects for the examination.
10. The Committee have concluded that such a combination of subjects represents a combination of depth and breadth of subject understanding that is sufficiently challenging; combining the necessary philosophies of two discrete subject areas would compensate for the slight imbalance in timetabled work (in comparison with other Part II subjects). The Committee expect that Half Subjects will be offered in the following disciplines: Chemistry, Experimental and Theoretical Physics, Geological Sciences, Materials Science and Metallurgy, and Mathematics. Each Half Subject will cover the aims and learning outcomes of its 'parent' Part II course and will require the same course prerequisites. The range of subjects will be reviewed from time to time by the Committee of Management for the Natural Sciences Tripos.
11. The changes and procedures outlined above have the support of the Faculty Boards and comparable authorities associated with the NST, and the Senior Tutors' Committee. Directors of Studies have been consulted on the proposals and advised of the changes.
12. The Committee of Management for the Natural Sciences Tripos, at the request of the Strategic Committee, have taken the opportunity to review and revise all regulations for the Tripos and the Preliminary Examination to Part II of the Tripos and, where relevant, to amend them in the light of current practice. No further substantial changes have been made as the result of that review. The revisions to the regulations for the Tripos are included in the new regulations set out in the Annex to this Report. Revised regulations for the Preliminary Examination are set out in Appendix 2.
13. The Strategic Committee recommend:
I. That the regulations for the Natural Sciences Tripos (Statutes and Ordinances, p. 347) be replaced, with effect from 1 October 2005, by the regulations set out in the Annex to this Report.
II. That, with effect from the same date, the following regulations be amended to remove references to Part II (General) of the Natural Sciences Tripos:
| (a) | Regulation 10 of the regulations for the entries and lists of candidates for Examinations (Statutes and Ordinances, p. 202); |
| (b) | Regulation 2(d) of the regulations for the dates of Examinations and publication of class-lists (Statutes and Ordinances, p. 204); |
| (c) | Regulation 1(a) of the regulations for the publication of lists of successful candidates in Examinations (Statutes and Ordinances, p. 208); |
| 14 September 2004 | M. S. LONGAIR, Chairman | J. H. KEELER | T. J. PEDLEY |
| W. ALLISON | F. H. KING | P. H. RUBERY | |
| M. BURROWS | P. LIPTON | E. SALJE | |
| T. W. CLYNE | D. W. B. MACDONALD | M. A. STANLEY |
1. The Natural Sciences Tripos shall consist of four Parts: Part IA, Part IB, Part II, and Part III.
2. The following may present themselves as a candidate for honours in Part IA:
| (a) | a student who has not obtained honours in another Honours Examination, provided that he or she has kept one term and that three complete terms have not passed after her or his first term of residence; |
| (b) | a student who has obtained honours in another Honours Examination in the year next after so obtaining honours, provided that the student has kept seven terms and that nine complete terms have not passed after her or his first term of residence. |
3. A student who has obtained honours in another Honours Examination may be a candidate for honours in Part IB in the year next after so obtaining honours, provided that the student has kept four terms and that six complete terms have not passed after her or his first term of residence.1
4. A student who not earlier than the fourth term after her or his first term of residence has obtained honours in an Honours Examination other than Part IA of the Natural Sciences Tripos or Part IA of the Medical and Veterinary Sciences Tripos, may be a candidate for honours in Part II in the year after or next but one after so obtaining honours; provided that the student has kept seven terms and that twelve complete terms have not passed after her or his first term of residence.1
A student who, under arrangements approved by the Committee of Management for the Natural Sciences Tripos, has spent not less than three terms studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has been certified by the President of the Institute after consultation with the Chairman of Examiners for Part II of the Natural Sciences Tripos to have studied diligently during that period, shall be deemed thereby to have obtained honours in that Part of the Tripos. A list containing the names of persons so qualified shall be certified by the Chairman of the Committee of Management and published in the Reporter.
5. The following may present themselves as a candidate for honours in Part III, provided that he or she has not proceeded to the B.A. Degree:
| (a) | a student who has obtained honours in Part II of the Natural Sciences Tripos or has been deemed to have obtained honours in Part II of the Tripos under Regulation 4, in the year next after so obtaining honours, provided that he or she has attained a satisfactory standard, as prescribed by the relevant authority,2 in previous Honours Examinations; |
| (b) | a student who has obtained honours or has been deemed to have obtained honours in any honours examination, other than Part II of the Natural Sciences Tripos, provided that he or she has been given leave to do so by the relevant authority,2 in special circumstances, which they shall themselves determine. |
6. No student shall be a candidate for more than one Part, or for any Part and also for another Honours Examination, in the same term.
7. No student who has been a candidate for any Part shall again be a candidate for the same Part.
8. The Committee of Management for the Natural Sciences Tripos in consultation with the Faculty Board or comparable authority concerned shall have power to issue from time to time supplementary regulations defining or limiting all or any of the subjects of the examination. Due care shall be taken that sufficient notice is given of any alteration of such supplementary regulations.
9. Faculty Boards or comparable authorities shall be identified as nominating bodies, as specified below, and shall be responsible for nominating a Senior Examiner and such number of Examiners and Assessors as they may deem sufficient. An Examiner may be appointed to examine in more than one Part of the Tripos in any year.
| Nominating bodies | Subjects |
Part Ia | |
| Faculty Board of Biology | Biology of Cells |
| Elementary Mathematics for Biologists | |
| Evolution and Behaviour | |
| Physiology of Organisms | |
| Quantitative Biology | |
| Faculty Board of Earth Sciences and Geography | Geology |
| Faculty Board of Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Faculty Board of Physics and Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Physics | |
| Faculty Boards of Earth Sciences and Geography, and Physics and Chemistry, jointly | Materials and Mineral Sciences |
Part Ib | |
| Faculty Board of Biology | Animal Biology |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | |
| Cell and Developmental Biology | |
| Ecology | |
| Experimental Psychology | |
| Neurobiology | |
| Pathology | |
| Pharmacology | |
| Physiology | |
| Plant and Microbial Sciences | |
| Faculty Board of Earth Sciences and Geography | Geological Sciences A |
| Geological Sciences B | |
| Mineral Sciences | |
| Board of History and Philosophy of Science | History and Philosophy of Science |
| Faculty Board of Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Faculty Board of Physics and Chemistry | Advanced Physics |
| Chemistry A | |
| Chemistry B | |
| Materials Science and Metallurgy | |
| Physics | |
Part II | |
| Faculty Board of Biology | Anatomy (Option A) |
| Anatomy (Option B) | |
| Biochemistry | |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences | |
| Genetics | |
| Neuroscience | |
| Pathology | |
| Pharmacology | |
| Physiology | |
| Plant Sciences | |
| Psychology | |
| Zoology | |
| Faculty Board of Earth Sciences and Geography | Geological Sciences |
| Board of History and Philosophy of Science | History and Philosophy of Science |
| Faculty Board of Physics and Chemistry | Astrophysics |
| Chemistry | |
| Experimental and Theoretical Physics | |
| Materials Science and Metallurgy | |
| Faculty Boards of Earth Sciences and Geography, and Physics and Chemistry, jointly | Physical Sciences |
Part III | |
| Faculty Board of Biology | Biochemistry |
| Faculty Board of Earth Sciences and Geography | Geological Sciences |
| Faculty Board of Physics and Chemistry | Astrophysics |
| Chemistry | |
| Experimental and Theoretical Physics | |
| Materials Science and Metallurgy | |
10. There shall be three bodies of Examiners, one for Part IA, one for Part IB, and one for Part II and Part III. For each of the three bodies there shall be a Chairman of Examiners, provided that the same person may be appointed Chairman for two or more of the bodies. For each body there may also be one or more Assistant Chairmen of Examiners. Chairmen and Assistant Chairmen of Examiners shall be appointed on the nomination of the Committee of Management for the Natural Sciences Tripos; nominations shall be made not later than the last day of Full Easter Term in the calendar year next preceding that in which the examination is to be held.
11. The Examiners in each subject shall be jointly responsible for all the questions set and for the marks awarded in that subject. At least two Examiners or one Examiner and one Assessor shall set and conduct every oral and practical examination.
12. The Examiners shall have regard to the style and method of candidates' answers, and shall give credit for excellence in these respects.
13. The Assessors shall propose questions in the parts of the subjects assigned to them by the Examiners, shall look over the answers of the candidates to these questions, and shall report thereon to the Examiners. The Assessors may be required to assist the Examiners in setting and conducting every oral and practical examination. The Assessors may be summoned to meetings of the Examiners for the purpose of consultation and advice, but shall not be entitled to vote.
14. The Chairmen of Examiners shall communicate the marks of all candidates to the Registrary.
15. The subjects of examination in Part IA, which shall be divided into two groups, A and B, shall be as follows:
| Biology of Cells | Materials and Mineral Sciences |
| Chemistry | Physics |
| Evolution and Behaviour | Physiology of Organisms |
| Geology |
| Elementary Mathematics for Biologists | Quantitative Biology |
| Mathematics |
The maximum marks allocated to each subject shall be:
| Each subject in Group A | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics for Biologists | 70 |
| Mathematics | 75 |
| Quantitative Biology | 75 |
16. Each candidate shall offer three subjects from Group A and one subject from Group B. A candidate taking the examination under the provisions of Regulation 2(b) shall not offer Biology of Cells, Evolution and Behaviour, or Physiology of Organisms, if he or she has previously obtained honours in the Medical and Veterinary Sciences Tripos.
17. (a) There shall be separate examinations set for each subject, as specified below:
| (i) | one written paper of three hours: | ||||||||
|
| (ii) | two written papers of three hours: |
| Mathematics |
| (iii) | one written paper of three hours and a practical examination: | ||
|
The practical examination (where such exists) may include a viva voce examination.
(b) In addition to the written and practical examinations, for all subjects except Biology of Cells, candidates shall be required to submit records of practical work and/or fieldwork for each subject. Such records shall be presented for inspection on the request of the Examiners as follows: in Materials and Mineral Sciences, on a date or dates announced by the Heads of the Departments of Earth Sciences and Materials Science and Metallurgy not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term; in Mathematics, on a date or dates to be announced by the Examiners not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term; in Physiology of Organisms, not later than the division of the Easter Term; in other subjects, on the day after the last written examination in that subject. The records shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed.
(c) In assigning marks for the examination in Geology, the Examiners may, at their discretion, take account of the note-books submitted by candidates. In assigning marks for the examination in all other subjects, except Biology of Cells, the Examiners shall take account of the records of practical work and/or fieldwork submitted by candidates. Assessment shall be undertaken by the Examiners or, for the following subjects, be provided to the Examiners from the following persons:
| Subject | Provider of assessment |
| Chemistry | Head of the Department of Chemistry |
| Elementary Mathematics for Biologists | Chairman of the Faculty Board of Biology |
| Evolution and Behaviour | Chairman of the Faculty Board of Biology |
| Materials and Mineral Sciences | Heads of the Departments of Earth Sciences and of Materials Science and Metallurgy, jointly |
| Physics | Head of the Department of Physics |
| Quantitative Biology | Chairman of the Faculty Board of Biology |
18. The names of the candidates who obtain honours in Part IA shall be arranged in three classes. The names in each class shall be arranged in alphabetical order.
19. In arranging the class-list the Examiners shall take into account the absolute number of aggregate marks obtained and may further take into account the standard obtained by candidates in each subject.3
20. The subjects of examination in Part IB shall be as follows:
| Advanced Physics | History and Philosophy of Science |
| Animal Biology | Materials Science and Metallurgy |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Mathematics |
| Cell and Developmental Biology | Mineral Sciences |
| Chemistry A | Neurobiology |
| Chemistry B | Pathology |
| Ecology | Pharmacology |
| Experimental Psychology | Physics |
| Geological Sciences A | Physiology |
| Geological Sciences B | Plant and Microbial Sciences |
21. Each candidate shall offer three subjects, provided that:
| (a) | any candidate offering Advanced Physics must also offer Physics; |
| (b) | no candidate may offer Physiology with either Advanced Physics or Chemistry B; |
| (c) | not more than one subject shall be chosen from any one of the groups numbered (i) to (ix) below: |
| (i) | Chemistry A; Neurobiology; |
| (ii) | Pathology; Physics; |
| (iii) | Cell and Developmental Biology: Materials Science and Metallurgy; |
| (iv) | Ecology; Geological Sciences B; Physiology; |
| (v) | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Geological Sciences A; |
| (vi) | Experimental Psychology; Mineral Sciences; Plant and Microbial Sciences; |
| (vii) | Animal Biology; Mathematics; Pharmacology; |
| (viii) | Advanced Physics; Chemistry B; |
| (ix) | History and Philosophy of Science. |
22. No candidate shall offer Mathematics if he or she has previously obtained honours in Part IB of the Mathematical Tripos, or unless he or she:
| either | (i) | has previously offered Mathematics in Part IA of the Natural Sciences Tripos, |
| or | (ii) | has obtained honours in Part IA of the Mathematical Tripos, or in Part IA of the Computer Science Tripos, or in Part IA of the Engineering Tripos, |
| or | (iii) | is an Affiliated Student. |
23. (a) There shall be separate examinations set for each subject, as specified below:
| (i) | two written papers of three hours: |
| *Advanced Physics | History and Philosophy of Science |
| *Animal Biology | *Materials Science and Metallurgy |
| *Chemistry A | *Mathematics |
| *Chemistry B | *Mineral Sciences |
| *Ecology | *Physics |
| (ii) | two written papers, one of two hours and one of three hours: |
Physiology
| (iii) | two written papers of three hours and a practical examination: |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | *Geological Sciences B |
| Cell and Developmental Biology | Neurobiology |
| *Experimental Psychology | Pathology |
| *Geological Sciences A | *Plant and Microbial Sciences |
| (iv) | two written papers, one of one hour and one of three hours, and a practical examination: |
*Pharmacology
The practical examination (where such exists) shall be as follows: in Experimental Psychology and Neurobiology, it shall be of one and a half hours' duration; in Geological Sciences A and Geological Sciences B, it shall be in two parts, one of three hours' duration and one of one and a half hours' duration; in all other subjects, it shall be of three hours' duration.
(b) A candidate who offers one or more of the subjects marked with an asterisk shall, in addition to the written and practical examinations, be required to submit records of practical work and/or fieldwork for each subject. Such records shall be presented for the inspection of the Examiners on a date or dates to be announced by the Head of the Department concerned; they shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was carried out.
(c) In assigning marks for the examinations in Geological Sciences A and Geological Sciences B, the Examiners may, at their discretion, take account of the records of practical work and/or fieldwork (where such exist) submitted by candidates. In assigning marks for the examination in all other subjects, the Examiners shall take account of the records submitted by candidates (where such exist). Assessment shall be undertaken by the Examiners or, for the following subjects, be provided to the Examiners from the following persons:
| Subject | Provider of assessment |
| Advanced Physics | Head of the Department of Physics |
| Animal Biology | Head of the Department of Zoology |
| Chemistry A | Head of the Department of Chemistry |
| Chemistry B | Head of the Department of Chemistry |
| Experimental Psychology | Head of the Department of Experimental Psychology |
| Materials Science and Metallurgy | Head of the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy |
| Physics | Head of the Department of Physics |
24. The names of the candidates who obtain honours in Part IB shall be arranged in three classes, of which the second shall be divided into two divisions. The names in the first and third classes, and in each division of the second class, shall be arranged in alphabetical order.
25. In arranging the class-list the Examiners may take into account the standard attained by candidates in each subject as well as the aggregate of marks obtained by them.
26. The subjects of examination in Part II shall be as follows:
| Anatomy (Option A) | Materials Science and Metallurgy |
| Anatomy (Option B) | Neuroscience |
| Astrophysics | Pathology |
| Biochemistry | Pharmacology |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences | Physical Sciences |
| Chemistry | Physiology |
| Experimental and Theoretical Physics | Physiology and Psychology |
| Genetics | Plant Sciences |
| Geological Sciences | Psychology |
| History and Philosophy of Science | Zoology |
27. Each candidate for Part II shall offer one of these subjects, and shall satisfy the requirements set out in Regulation 30 for the subject offered.
28. Each candidate submitting a dissertation, essay, thesis, project report, or similar exercise under Regulation 30 shall be required to sign a declaration that the exercise submitted is her or his own work, unaided except as may be specified in the declaration, and that it does not contain material that has already been used to any substantial extent for a comparable purpose; if two or more candidates have undertaken work in collaboration, they shall each be required to indicate the extent of their contribution. The Examiners shall have power if they consider that a piece of work submitted for the examination is not sufficiently legible, to require that it be resubmitted in typescript.
29. For each subject in Part II the Examiners may, at their discretion, examine a candidate viva voce.
30. Examination requirements for the particular subjects shall be as follows:
| Anatomy (Option A); Anatomy (Option B). Each candidate shall offer | |
| (a) | either (i) three written papers of three hours each and one or more workshop reports comprising in total not more than 4,000 words, or (ii) four written papers of three hours each and two seminar reports, each of not more than 500 words; |
| (b) | a practical examination, which shall include, and may consist wholly of, a viva voce examination; |
| (c) | a dissertation of not more than 8,000 words, excluding footnotes. |
The number of papers to be set, the details of the reports to be submitted by candidates and any further examination arrangements, approved by the Faculty Board of Biology, shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Anatomy not later than the division of the Easter Term for the examination to be held in the following year. Seminar reports shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of the Department not later than the tenth day of the Full Easter Term in which the examination is to be held.
The subject of the dissertation may be proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Anatomy, or chosen from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department, not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list not later than the end of Full Michaelmas Term. The dissertation shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the tenth day of the Full Easter Term in which the examination is to be held.
In assigning marks for the examination, the Examiners shall take account of the reports and dissertations submitted by candidates.
Astrophysics. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | records of practical, project, or other work. |
The practical, project, or other work and their examination requirements shall be prescribed from time to time by the Director of the Institute of Astronomy, and shall be carried out in accordance with instructions which shall be announced not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term next preceding the examination. As an indication of good faith, each candidate shall submit, with the records of her or his work, a declaration that these instructions have been observed. The records of practical, project, or other work shall be submitted to the Director of the Institute of Astronomy not later than a date announced by the Director not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term next preceding the examination.
The Examiners shall be provided by the Director with assessments of the work submitted by the candidates, and shall take account of this work in drawing up the class list.
Biochemistry. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers, three papers (Paper 1, 2, and 3) of three hours each and one paper (Paper 4) of three and a quarter hours (the first quarter of an hour of which shall not be used for writing answers to questions); |
| (b) | one essay of not more than 3,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography; |
| (c) | a thesis of not more than 5,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography. |
The essay shall be on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department of Biochemistry not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall inform the Head of the Department of the subject chosen before the end of Full Michaelmas Term. The essay shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the eighth day of Full Lent Term.
The thesis shall give an account of an investigation undertaken by the candidate, the subject of which shall be chosen by the candidate in consultation with staff of the Department of Biochemistry. Each candidate shall inform the Head of the Department of Biochemistry of the subject chosen before the end of Full Michaelmas Term. The thesis shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the ninth day of Full Easter Term.
In assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of candidates' essays and theses.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | the examination requirements of one Major Subject; |
| (b) | the examination requirements of one Minor Subject; |
| (c) | a dissertation of not more than 6,000 words, excluding tables, figures, and references. |
The Major and Minor Subjects shall be announced by the Faculty Board of Biology not later than the division of the Lent Term in the year next preceding the examination. When giving notice of the Subjects to be offered, the Faculty Board of Biology shall have power, in consultation with the Board of Examinations, to announce restrictions on the combinations of subjects that any candidate may offer in the examination.
The subject of the dissertation shall be on a topic related to either the Major or Minor Subject offered by the candidate. The subject shall be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Chairman of the Faculty Board of Biology, or chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects announced by the Chairman of the Faculty Board. Each candidate shall obtain the approval for her or his subject not later than the end of Full Michaelmas Term. Dissertations shall be prepared in accordance with guidelines which shall be issued by the Faculty Board of Biology not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. The dissertation shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the first day of Full Easter Term.
Chemistry. The examination shall comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B). For both options, each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | records of further work. |
The types of further work and their examination requirements shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Chemistry not later than the division of the Easter Term in the year next preceding the examination. The records of further work shall be submitted to the Head of the Department not later than the first Monday of Full Easter Term and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed. The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department with assessments of the work submitted by candidates, and shall take these assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.
In drawing up the class-list the Examiners shall take account of the standard attained by a candidate in each part of the examination as well as the aggregate of marks obtained.
Experimental and Theoretical Physics. The examination shall comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B), as specified below.
A candidate who chooses option (A) shall offer
| (a) | Papers 1 and 2; |
| (b) | either Paper 3 or Paper 4 or two half-papers drawn from Papers 3 and 4; |
| (c) | five units of further work. |
A candidate who chooses option (B) shall offer
| either | (a) | Papers 1-4; |
| (b) | three units of further work; | |
| or | (a) | Papers 1 and 2; |
| (b) | either Paper 3 and one half-paper drawn from Paper 4 or Paper 4 and one half-paper drawn from Paper 3; | |
| (c) | four units of further work. |
Papers 1, 3, and 4 shall be of three hours' duration; Paper 2 shall be of two hours' duration. Candidates shall be allowed one and a half hours for each half-paper.
The types of further work and their examination requirements shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Physics not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. The records of further work shall be submitted to the Head of the Department not later than the fourth Monday of Full Easter Term and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed. The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department with assessments of the work submitted by candidates, and shall take these assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.
In drawing up the class-list the Examiners shall take account of the standard attained by a candidate in each part of the examination as well as the aggregate of marks obtained.
Genetics. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | six written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | an essay of between 3,000 and 5,000 words; |
| (c) | a thesis of not more than 3,500 words, excluding tables, figures, and references. |
The subject of the essay shall be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Examiners, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Examiners. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Examiners for the subject proposed or notify the Examiners of the subject chosen from the list not later than the end of Full Michaelmas Term. The essay shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the first day of Full Lent Term and shall contain a critical review of an area of genetics or related to genetics.
The subject of the thesis shall be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Examiners, or chosen by the candidate, subject to the approval of the Examiners, from a list of subjects announced by the Examiners. Each candidate shall obtain the approval of the Examiners for her or his subject not later than the end of Full Michaelmas Term. The thesis shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the seventh day after the last day of Full Lent Term.
In assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of the submitted essay and thesis.
Geological Sciences. The examination shall comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B).
A candidate who chooses option (A) shall offer
| (a) | one written paper of three hours and two written papers of two hours each, and shall take practical examinations or offer continuously assessed practical work associated with each paper offered; |
| (b) | a written paper of three hours' duration, consisting of an essay chosen from a list of topics having reference to general aspects of the Natural Sciences; |
| (c) | a literature report of not more than 5,000 words; |
| (d) | a report of a research project of not more than 5,000 words, excluding footnotes; |
| (e) | records of classwork and fieldwork. |
A candidate who chooses option (B) shall offer
| (a) | three written papers of three hours each, and shall take practical examinations or offer continuously assessed practical work associated with each of the papers offered; |
| (b) | a written paper of three hours' duration, consisting of an essay chosen from a list of topics having reference to general aspects of the Natural Sciences; |
| (c) | a report of a research project of not more than 5,000 words, excluding footnotes; |
| (d) | records of classwork and fieldwork. |
The practical work and examination requirements associated with each paper shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department with assessments of the continually assessed practicals; in assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of the assessments.
The literature report shall critically review the published literature in a selected field of the Geological Sciences and may be either proposed by the candidate, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department not later than the beginning of the Lent Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Examiners for the subject proposed, or notify the Examiners of the subject chosen from the list, not later than the division of the Lent Term. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the first Wednesday of Full Easter Term.
The report of a research project shall be on a subject which may be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department by the beginning of the Easter Term in the year next preceding the examination. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list not later than 30 June in the year next preceding the examination. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the second day of Full Lent Term.
The records of classwork and fieldwork shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences not later than the last day of the written examinations and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed. The types of classwork and fieldwork shall be announced by the Head of the Department not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term.
History and Philosophy of Science. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | three written papers of three hours each, to be chosen by the candidate from a list of not more than ten papers; |
| (b) | two essays, each of not more than 3,000 words in length; |
| (c) | a dissertation of between 5,000 and 15,000 words, inclusive of notes. |
The two essays shall each be on a source chosen from a list of prescribed sources which shall be published by the Board of History and Philosophy of Science not later than the end of Full Easter Term in the year next preceding the examination. A candidate shall obtain the approval of the Board for the subjects proposed for the essays not later than the last day of Full Michaelmas Term. The essays shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the division of the Lent Term.
The dissertation shall be on a topic proposed by the candidate and approved by the Board of History and Philosophy of Science not later than the division of the Lent Term. The dissertation shall show evidence of reading, judgement, criticism, and power of exposition, and shall give full references to sources used. The dissertation shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the first Monday of Full Easter Term.
Materials Science and Metallurgy. The examination shall comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B).
For both options, each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | further work. |
The further work and its examination requirements and submission arrangements shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term and shall comprise of course-work and practical work. Records of further work shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of the Department and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed.
The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department with assessments of the work submitted by candidates, and shall take the assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.
Neuroscience. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | a critical review, in printed or typewritten form, of not more than 2,000 words, excluding tables, figures, and bibliography; |
| (c) | a report of a research project, in printed or typewritten form, of not more than 5,000 words, excluding tables, appendices, footnotes, and bibliography. |
The critical review shall be on a published scientific paper chosen from a list of papers announced by the Chairman of the Faculty Board of Biology not later than the second Friday of Full Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall notify the Chairman of the paper that he or she has chosen for review not later than the end of Full Michaelmas Term. The review shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the second Friday of Full Lent Term.
The report of a research project shall be on a subject either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Chairman of the Faculty Board of Biology, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Chairman, not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Chairman for the subject proposed, or notify the Chairman of the subject chosen from the list, not later than the end of Full Michaelmas Term. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the fifth day of the Full Easter Term in which the examination is to be held.
During Full Easter Term, on a day specified by the Chairman of the Faculty Board of Biology, each candidate shall be required to give a brief oral presentation of her or his project to an audience consisting of staff and students and including internal Examiners.
In assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of the candidates' research projects (both the report and the presentation).
Pathology. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours each, and a practical examination of two and a half hours; |
| (b) | a project report. |
The project report shall be on a subject either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Pathology, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed, or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list, not later than the second Friday of Full Michaelmas Term. The report or essay shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the end of Full Lent Term, in a format specified by the Head of the Department not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term.
Pharmacology. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | a report of a research project. |
The report of the research project shall be on a subject chosen from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department of Pharmacology not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list not later than the end of Full Michaelmas Term. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the tenth day of Full Easter Term.
During the second or third week of Full Easter Term, each candidate is required to give a brief oral communication to an audience consisting of staff and students of the Department and including the internal Examiners.
In assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of the written and oral reports of the research projects.
Physical Sciences. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | the examination requirements of one Half Subject, chosen from Chemistry, Experimental and Theoretical Physics, Geological Sciences, Materials Science and Metallurgy, Mathematics; |
| (b) | either the examination requirements of another Half Subject from those listed above or the examination requirements of a subject from Part IB of the Tripos, as specified in Regulation 23, subject to any restrictions outlined below. |
(i) The examination requirements for Half Subject Chemistry shall consist of three written papers, each of one and a half hours' duration, and the submission of note-books of further work. The types of further work and their examination requirements shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Chemistry not later than the division of the Easter Term in the year next preceding the examination. The records of further work shall be submitted to the Head of the Department not later than the first Monday of Full Easter Term and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed. The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department with assessments of the work submitted by candidates, and shall take these assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.
Half Subject Chemistry may not be offered unless the candidate has previously offered either Chemistry A or Chemistry B in Part IB of the Tripos.
(ii) The examination requirements for Half Subject Experimental and Theoretical Physics shall consist of a written paper of two hours' duration and a written paper of one and a half hours' duration and three units of further work. The types of further work and their examination requirements shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Physics not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. Records of further work shall be submitted to the Head of the Department not later than the fourth Monday of Full Easter Term and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed. The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department with assessments of the work submitted by candidates, and shall take these assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.
Half Subject Experimental and Theoretical Physics may not be offered unless the candidate has previously offered Physics in Part IB of the Tripos.
(iii) The examination requirements for Half Subject Geological Sciences shall consist of:
| (1) | one written paper of one and a half hours' duration and two written papers of two hours' duration each, and practical examinations or continually assessed practical work associated with each paper offered; |
| (2) | one written paper of three hours duration on a topic chosen from a list of topics with reference to general aspects of science; |
| (3) | a literature review project, of not more than 5,000 words in length; |
| (4) | records of practical work and fieldwork. |
The practical work and examination requirements associated with each paper shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department with assessments of the continually assessed practicals; in assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of the assessments.
The submitted literature report shall critically review the published literature in a selected field of the Geological Sciences and may be either proposed by the candidate, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department not later than the beginning of the Lent Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Examiners for the subject proposed, or notify the Examiners of the subject chosen from the list, not later than the division of the Lent Term. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the first Wednesday of Full Easter Term.
The records of classwork and fieldwork shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences not later than the last day of the written examinations and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed. The types of classwork and fieldwork shall be announced by the Head of the Department not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term.
Half Subject Geological Sciences may not be offered unless the candidate has previously offered either Geological Sciences A or Geological Sciences B in Part IB of the Tripos.
(iv) The examination requirements for Half Subject Materials Science and Metallurgy shall consist of four written papers of one and a half hours' duration and specified further work. The further work and its examination requirements and submission arrangements shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term and shall comprise of course-work and practical work. Records of further work shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of the Department and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed. The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department with assessments of the work submitted by candidates, and shall take the assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.
Half Subject Materials Science and Metallurgy may not be offered unless the candidate has previously offered Materials Science and Metallurgy in Part IB of the Tripos.
(v) The examination requirements for Half Subject Mathematics shall consist of a number of written papers and the submission of records of practical work. The number of papers and their duration shall be announced by the Faculty Board of Mathematics not later than 1 November next preceding the examination. The practical work and its examination requirements shall be announced by the Faculty Board of Mathematics not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term.
Physiology. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours each: Paper 7 and three further papers to be chosen from Papers 1-6; |
| (b) | records of practical work; |
| (c) | a printed or typewritten report of a research project of no more than 6,000 words, excluding tables, figure legends, and bibliography. |
The types of practical work and their examination requirements shall be announced by the Examiners not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. The records of practical work shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the tenth day of Full Lent Term and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed.
The report of a research project shall be on a subject which may be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Physiology or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department by the end of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list not later than the beginning of the Lent Term. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the third day of Full Easter Term.
During Full Easter Term, on a day specified by the Head of the Department, each candidate is required to give a brief presentation of the project to an audience consisting of staff and students of the Department and including internal Examiners. In assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of the candidates' research projects (both the report and the presentation).
Physiology and Psychology. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours, two in Physiology and two in Psychology; |
| (b) | records of practical work in Physiology done by the candidate; |
| (c) | three printed or typewritten copies of a report of a project, of not more than 5,000 words in length, excluding tables, appendices, footnotes, and bibliography, on a subject in the field of Psychology or Physiology. |
The types of practical work in Physiology and their examination requirements shall be announced by the Examiners not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. The record of practical work shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the tenth day of Full Lent Term and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed.
A candidate who offers a project in the field of Physiology shall submit a report on a subject which may be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Physiology or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department by the end of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list not later than the beginning of the Lent Term. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the third day of Full Easter Term.
During Full Easter Term, on a day specified by the Head of the Department, each candidate is required to give a brief presentation of the project to an audience consisting of staff and students of the Department of Physiology and including internal Examiners. In assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of the candidates' research projects (both the report and the presentation).
A candidate who offers a project in the field of Psychology shall submit a report on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department of Experimental Psychology by the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject chosen from the list not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. The three copies of the report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the tenth day of Full Easter Term.
Plant Sciences. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | an essay of not more than 2,500 words, excluding tables, figure legends, and bibliography; |
| (c) | a report of a research project, of not more than 5,000 words, excluding tables, figure legends, appendices, and bibliography. |
The essay shall be on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences and shall be submitted to the Examiners. The dates of announcement of subjects and submission of essays shall be announced by the Head of the Department not later than the second Friday of Full Michaelmas Term.
The report of a research subject shall be on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences and shall be submitted to the Examiners. The dates of announcement of subjects and submission of essays shall be announced by the Head of the Department not later than the second Friday of Full Michaelmas Term.
Psychology. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers, Papers 1-4, of three hours each, provided that a candidate may submit, in addition to those papers, two copies of an original dissertation of not more than 8,000 words, excluding appendices, footnotes, and bibliography. |
| (b) | two copies of a report of a research project not exceeding 5,000 words, exclusive of tables, appendices, footnotes, and bibliography. |
The title of the dissertation shall be on a subject chosen by the candidate and approved by the Senior Examiner not later than the division of the Lent Term next preceding the examination. Two copies of the original dissertation, if it is offered, shall be submitted to the Senior Examiner not later than the first Monday of Full Easter Term.
The report of a research project shall be on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences by the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject chosen from the list not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the second day of Full Lent Term.
If a candidate offers four papers and a dissertation, the Examiners shall assess her or his performance on (i) Papers 1, 2, 3 and (ii) either Paper 4 or the dissertation, discounting the one component out of the two in which they judge the candidate's work to be least good.
Zoology. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | four written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | a written paper of two hours' duration, consisting of an essay chosen from a list of topics having reference to general aspects of the Natural Sciences; |
| (c) | an essay of not more than 2,000 words, excluding tables and bibliography; |
| (d) | records of project work or practical work, or both. |
The essay shall be on a subject chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department of Zoology not later than the end of the first quarter of the Michaelmas Term. The essay shall be submitted to the Examiners on a date which the Head of the Department shall announce not later than the end of the first quarter of the Michaelmas Term.
The records of project work, or practical work, or both may be either chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department of Zoology not later than the end of the first quarter of the Michaelmas Term, or proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department by not later than the end of the first quarter of the Michaelmas Term. The records shall be submitted to the Examiners on the first day of the written examination and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed.
The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department of Zoology with assessments of the work submitted by candidates under (c) and (d), and shall take the assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.
31. For each subject in Part II there shall be published a separate class-list, which shall be signed by the Examiners in that subject, provided that the class-list for the subject Physiology and Psychology shall be signed by the Examiners in both those subjects.
The names of the candidates who obtain honours in each subject or combination of subjects shall be arranged in three classes, of which the second shall be divided into two divisions. The names in the first and third classes, and in each division of the second class, shall be arranged in alphabetical order.
In the class-list for the subjects Chemistry, Experimental and Theoretical Physics, and Geological Sciences, a mark (A) shall be attached to the names of those candidates who have taken option A and a mark (B) shall be attached to the names of those candidates who have taken option B. In addition, in the class-list for the subject Geological Sciences, a mark (m) shall be attached to the name of any candidate who has offered two or more papers relating to one or both of the subject areas Mineralogy and Mineral Physics, and whose research project has been approved by the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences as one whose subject falls within the field of mineral sciences.
32. The subjects of examination in Part III shall be as follows:
| Astrophysics | Experimental and Theoretical Physics |
| Biochemistry | Geological Sciences |
| Chemistry | Materials Science and Metallurgy |
33. Every candidate for Part III shall offer one of these subjects, and shall satisfy the requirements set out in Regulation 36 for the subject offered.
34. Every candidate submitting a dissertation, essay, thesis, project report, or similar exercise under Regulation 36 shall be required to sign a declaration that the exercise submitted is her or his own work, unaided except as may be specified in the declaration, and that it does not contain material that has already been used to any substantial extent for a comparable purpose; if two or more candidates have undertaken work in collaboration, they shall each be required to indicate the extent of their contribution. The Examiners shall have power if they consider that a piece of work submitted for the examination is not sufficiently legible, to require that it be resubmitted in typescript.
35. For each subject in Part III the Examiners may, at their discretion, examine a candidate viva voce.
36. Examination requirements for the particular subjects shall be as follows:
Astrophysics. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | a number of written papers; |
| (b) | submit a report of a research project of not more than 8,000 words, excluding figures, tables, captions, references, and appendices. |
The number of written papers to be set and the subject and duration of each paper shall be announced by the Director of the Institute of Astronomy not later than 1 November next preceding the examination.
The subject of the research project shall be chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Director of the Institute of Astronomy not later than the end of the Easter Term in the year next preceding the examination. Each candidate shall notify the Director of the subject chosen from the list not later than the second Friday of Full Michaelmas Term. The report of a research project shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the second Monday of Full Easter Term.
Biochemistry. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | two written papers, one paper of three hours and one paper of three and a quarter hours (the first quarter of an hour of which shall not be used for writing answers to questions); |
| (b) | a report of a research project of not more than 8,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography. |
The subject of the research project may be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Biochemistry, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects, which shall be announced by the Head of the Department not later than the end of the Easter Term in the year next preceding the examination. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed, or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list, not later than 31 August next preceding the examination. The report of a research project shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the ninth day of Full Easter Term.
In assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of candidates' research reports.
Chemistry. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | three written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | a report of a research project of not more than 5,000 words, excluding footnotes. |
The subject of the research project may be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Chemistry, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department not later than the division of the Easter Term in the year next preceding the examination. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed, or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list, not later than the end of the Full Easter Term in the academical year preceding the examination. The report of a research project shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of the Department not later than the Friday following the last day of Full Lent Term.
In assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of the written reports of the research projects.
Experimental and Theoretical Physics. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | one written paper of three hours in general physics; |
| (b) | three major topics and three minor topics, provided that in place of one of the minor topics a candidate may submit a report of a project, undertaken during the previous Long Vacation, of not more than 5,000 words excluding footnotes; |
| (c) | a report of a research project of not more than 5,000 words, excluding footnotes. |
The Head of the Department of Physics shall announce not less than five major topics and ten minor topics for the examination not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term; each major topic shall be examined by a written paper of one and a half hours and each minor topic by a written paper of one hour.
The report of a project undertaken in the Long Vacation, if it is offered, shall be submitted not later than the first Monday of Full Michaelmas Term. Such a project shall be on a subject proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Physics; candidates shall submit proposals to the Head of the Department during the preceding Easter Term, and shall obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed not later than the last day of that term.
The subject of the research project may be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Physics, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed, or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list, not later than the end of Full Michaelmas Term. The report of a research project shall be submitted to the Head of the Department not later than the Friday following the last day of Full Lent Term.
The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department of Physics with assessments of the reports submitted by candidates under (b) and (c), and shall take the assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.
Geological Sciences. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | three written papers (Papers 1-3), each of three hours' duration, and shall take practical examinations or offer continuously assessed practical work associated with Papers 2 and 3; |
| (b) | a report of a research project of not more than 7,500 words, excluding footnotes; |
| (c) | records of classwork and fieldwork. |
The practical work and examination requirements associated with each paper shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences with assessments of the continually assessed practicals; in assigning marks for the examination the Examiners shall take account of the assessments.
The report of a research project shall be on a subject which may be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department by the beginning of the Lent Term in the year next preceding the examination. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list not later than the division of the Lent Term next preceding the examination. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the first Friday of Full Lent Term.
The records of classwork and fieldwork shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences not later than the last day of the written examinations and shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed. The types of classwork and fieldwork shall be announced by the Head of the Department not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term.
Materials Science and Metallurgy. Each candidate shall offer
| (a) | three written papers of three hours each; |
| (b) | a report of a research project of not more than 7,000 words, including footnotes, appendices, and bibliography. |
| (c) | records of course-work and associated exercises. |
The subject of the research project may be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department not later than the division of Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject proposed, or notify the Head of the Department of the subject chosen from the list, not later than the end of the Michaelmas Term. The report of a research project shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of the Department on a date to be announced by the Head of the Department not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term.
Details of the course-work and other exercises and their examination requirements shall be announced by the Head of the Department not later than the beginning of Michaelmas Term. The records of course-work and associated exercises shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of the Department on a date to be announced by the Head of the Department not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term.
The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department with assessments of the course-work and other exercises, and shall take the assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.
37. For each subject in Part III there shall be published a separate class-list, which shall be signed by the Examiners in that subject. The names of the candidates who obtain honours in each subject shall be arranged in three classes, of which the second shall be divided into two divisions. The names in the first and third classes, and in each division of the second class, shall be arranged in alphabetical order. In arranging the class-list the Examiners for the subject Chemistry in Part III shall take into account the candidate's performance in Part II, where that candidate has been classed in that examination.
Subject to the approval of the recommendations in the Report, the Committee of Management for the Natural Sciences Tripos have approved the following supplementary regulations to take effect from 1 October 2005.
Unless otherwise stated, the written papers and practical examinations in a subject shall cover all aspects of the course.
This paper is appropriate for candidates who do not have an advanced qualification in Mathematics before entry to the University.
All candidates will offer Paper 1. Paper 2A is to be offered by candidates not offering Mathematics in Part IB of the Natural Sciences Tripos. Paper 2B is to be taken by candidates offering Mathematics in Part IB of the Natural Sciences Tripos.
The examination requirements, unless specified differently by Notice not later than the division of the Lent Term in the year next preceding the examination, shall be as follows:
| Major Subject | four written papers of three hours' duration each |
| Minor Subject | one written paper of three hours' duration |
The maximum marks allocated to each component shall be as follows:
| Major Subject | 65 |
| Minor Subject | 15 |
| Dissertation | 20 |
The examination will comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B). Option (A) is for students intending to graduate after taking Part II; option (B) is for those who plan to proceed to Part III. All candidates shall offer Paper 2. Candidates who have previously offered Chemistry A and Chemistry B in Part IB of the Natural Sciences Tripos shall also offer Paper 1A and Paper 4A; candidates who have previously offered only one out of Chemistry A and Chemistry B in that examination may also offer either Paper 1A and Paper 4A or Paper 1B and Paper 4B. In addition, candidates choosing option A must offer Paper 3A and candidates choosing option B must offer Paper 3B.
The examination will comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B). Option (A) is for students intending to graduate after taking Part II; option (B) is for those who plan to proceed to Part III.
The examination will comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B). Option (A) is for students intending to graduate after taking Part II; option (B) is for those who plan to proceed to Part III.
The following papers will be set:
Paper 1. Classical traditions in the sciences (also serves as Paper O11 of Part II of the Classical Tripos)
Paper 2. Natural philosophies: Renaissance to Enlightenment
Paper 3. Science, industry, and Empire
Paper 4. Metaphysics, epistemology, and the sciences
Paper 5. Science and technology studies
Paper 6. History and philosophy of mind
Paper 7. Medicine from antiquity to the Enlightenment
Paper 8. Modern medicine and biomedical sciences
Paper 9. Images of the sciences
Paper 10. Science and technology from the First World War
The examination will comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B). Option (A) is for students intending to graduate after taking Part II; option (B) is for those who plan to proceed to Part III.
The papers set for the Half Subjects shall either be those set for the Part II subject of the same name, or contain a subset of questions from those papers. The maximum marks allocated to each component shall be as follows:
| Half Subject | 200 |
| Part IB Subject | 100 |
The following papers will be set:
Paper 1. Sensory systems
Paper 2. Motor systems
Paper 3. Systems physiology
Paper 4. Development physiology
Paper 5. Cellular physiology
Paper 6. Medical neurobiology
Paper 7. Common module
The two physiology papers taken by candidates offering this subject will be Papers 1 and 2 taken by candidates offering the subject Physiology, but may contain additional questions specifically for candidates offering the subject Physiology and Psychology. The two psychology papers will include the same questions as are contained in two of the Papers 2-4 taken by candidates offering the subject Psychology.
On the recommendation of the Committee of Management for the Natural Sciences Tripos the General Board give notice that the regulations for the Preliminary Examination for Part II of the Natural Sciences Tripos (Statutes and Ordinances, p. 220) have been amended, with effect from 1 October 2005, so as to read:
1. There shall be a Preliminary Examination for Part II of the Natural Sciences Tripos. The subjects of the examination shall be as follows:
| Chemistry | History and Philosophy of Science |
| Experimental and Theoretical Physics | Materials Science and Metallurgy |
| Geological Sciences | Psychology |
2. Each candidate for the examination shall offer one of these subjects and shall satisfy the requirements set out in the regulations below. No candidate may offer a paper which they have previously offered in Part IB of the Natural Sciences Tripos.
3. The examination in Chemistry shall consist of the examination requirements for the subjects Chemistry A and Chemistry B in Part IB of the Tripos. The Examiners in Chemistry A and Chemistry B in Part IB shall be the Examiners in Chemistry in the Preliminary Examination.
4. The examination in Experimental and Theoretical Physics shall consist of:
| either | (i) | the examination requirements for the subjects Physics and Advanced Physics in Part IB of the Tripos |
| or | (ii) | the examination requirements for the subjects Physics, Advanced Physics, and Mathematics in Part IB of the Tripos. |
The Examiners in the subjects, Physics, Advanced Physics, and Mathematics in Part IB shall, as appropriate, be the Examiners in Experimental and Theoretical Physics in the Preliminary Examination.
5. The examination in Geological Sciences shall consist of the examination requirements for two subjects selected from Geological Sciences A, Geological Sciences B, and Mineral Sciences in Part IB of the Tripos. The Examiners in the subjects, Geological Sciences A, Geological Sciences B, and Mineral Sciences in Part IB shall, as appropriate, be the Examiners in Geological Sciences in the Preliminary Examination.
6. The examination in History and Philosophy of Science shall consist of:
| (a) | the papers in History and Philosophy of Science set for Part IB of the Tripos; |
| and | |
| (b) | three essays, each of not more than 5,000 words in length and on a topic approved by the Board of History and Philosophy of Science which falls within one of the following fields: |
|
Classical traditions in the sciences Natural philosophies: Renaissance to Enlightenment Science, industry, and Empire Metaphysics, epistemology, and the sciences Science and technology studies History and philosophy of mind Medicine from antiquity to the Enlightenment Modern medicine and biomedical sciences Images of the sciences Science and technology from the First World War |
Not more than one topic may be chosen from any one field.
The Examiners in History and Philosophy of Science in Part IB shall be the Examiners in History and Philosophy of Science in the Preliminary Examination.
7. The examination in Materials Science and Metallurgy shall consist of the examination requirements for Materials Science and Metallurgy in Part IB of the Tripos and two subjects selected from Chemistry A, Mathematics, Mineral Sciences, and Physics in Part IB of the Tripos. The Examiners in Materials Science and Metallurgy in Part IB shall be the Examiners in Materials Science and Metallurgy in the Preliminary Examination.
8. The examination in Psychology shall consist of the examination requirements for Experimental Psychology in Part IB of the Tripos. The Examiners in Experimental Psychology in Part IB shall be the Examiners in Psychology in the Preliminary Examination.
9. For each subject there shall be published a separate class-list, which shall be signed by the Examiners in that subject. In each list the names of the successful candidates shall be arranged in three classes, of which the second shall be divided into two divisions.
1 See also the regulations for Affiliated Students.
2 The relevant authority for this purpose shall be the Faculty Board or comparable authority within whose scope the proposed Part III subject of examination falls, as specified in Regulation 9.
3 The maximum number of aggregate marks shall be 375 for those candidates who take Quantitative Biology or Mathematics and 370 for those candidates who take Elementary Mathematics for Biologists. Candidates taking Elementary Mathematics for Biologists will consequently have a 5 mark penalty for taking this mathematical option.