NATURAL SCIENCES TRIPOS

Amended by Notices (Reporter, 2013–14, pp. 41, 244, 252, 596, and 724)

General

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:

1. (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;
2. (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.143

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 after so obtaining honours144; 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 Chair 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 Chair 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:

1. (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,145 in previous Honours Examinations;
2. (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,145 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.

Part Ib

Part II

Part III

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 Chair of Examiners, provided that the same person may be appointed Chair for two or more of the bodies. For each body there may also be one or more Assistant Chairs of Examiners. Chairs and Assistant Chairs 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 Chairs of Examiners shall communicate the marks of all candidates to the Registrary.

Part Ia

15. The subjects of examination in Part Ia, which shall be divided into two groups, A and B, shall be as follows:

16. Each candidate shall offer three subjects from Group A and one subject from Group B providing that no candidate shall offer both Biology of Cells and Computer Science. 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:

(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 and Physiology of Organisms, 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 Computer Science, on a date or dates announced by the Head of the Computer Laboratory no later than the division of Michaelmas Term; in Materials Science, on a date or dates announced by the Head of the Department of 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 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 Earth Sciences, 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 and Physiology of Organisms, 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:

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.149

Part Ib

20. The subjects of examination in Part Ib shall be as follows:

21. Each candidate shall offer three subjects, provided that:

1. (a)no candidate may offer Physics B with either Animal Biology or Pharmacology;
2. (b)not more than one subject shall be chosen from any one of the groups numbered (i) to (ix) below:
3.  (i)Chemistry A; Neurobiology;
4.  (ii)Ecology; Pathology; Physics A;
5.  (iii)Cell and Developmental Biology; Materials Science;
6.  (iv)[Geological Sciences B] 〈Earth Sciences B〉150; Physics B;
7.  (v)Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; [Geological Sciences A] 〈Earth Sciences A〉150;
8.  (vi)Experimental Psychology; Plant and Microbial Sciences;
9.  (vii)Animal Biology; Mathematics; Pharmacology;
10.  (viii)Chemistry B; Physiology;
11.  (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:

1. either(i)has previously offered Mathematics in Part Ia of the Natural Sciences Tripos,
2. 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,
3. 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:

(ii) two written papers, one of two hours and one of three hours and a practical examination:

(iii) two written papers of three hours and a practical examination:

(iv) two written papers, one of one hour and one of three hours, and a practical examination:

(v) two written papers, one of one and a half hours and one of three hours, and a practical examination:

The practical examination (where such exists) shall be as follows: in Plant and Microbial Sciences it shall be of one and a half hours' duration; in Physiology it shall be of one hour and twenty minutes' duration; in Experimental Psychology and Neurobiology, it shall be of one and a half hours’ duration; in [Geological Sciences A and Geological Sciences B] 〈Earth Sciences A and Earth Sciences B〉150, 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] 〈Earth Sciences A and Earth Sciences B〉150, 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:

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.

Part II

26. The subjects of examination in Part II shall be as follows:

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, critical review, 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:

 Astrophysics.  Each candidate shall offer

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each;
2. (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

1. (a)five written papers, four papers (Papers 1, 2, 3, and 4) of three hours each and one paper (Paper 5) of three and a quarter hours (the first quarter of an hour of which shall not be used for writing answers to questions);
2. (b)one essay of not more than 3,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography;
3. (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. 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

1. (a)the examination requirements of one Major Subject;
2. (b)the examination requirements of one Minor Subject;
3. (c)a dissertation of not more than 6,000 words, excluding tables, figures, and references.

The Major and Minor Subjects and their examination requirements 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 Chair of the Faculty Board of Biology, or chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects announced by the Chair of the Faculty Board. Each candidate shall obtain the approval for her or his subject not later than the division of 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 Friday of Full Easter Term.

 Chemistry.  Each candidate shall offer:

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each;
2. (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.

 〈Earth Sciences.  Each candidate shall offer:

1. (a)three courses, chosen from a list of five, to be assessed by
2.  (i)two written papers of three hours each;
3.  (ii)three practical examinations or continuously assessed practical work, one associated with each of the three courses offered;
4.  (iii)a written paper of three hours’ duration, consisting of three essays, each essay chosen from topics related to the seminars in each of the three courses offered;
5. (b)a report of a research project of not more than 5,000 words, excluding footnotes;
6. (c)records of classwork and fieldwork.

At the discretion of the Examiners a candidate may be called for a viva voce examination on the candidate’s project work and on general aspects of the Earth Sciences.

The practical work and examination requirements associated with each course shall be announced by the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas 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.〉151

 Genetics.  Each candidate shall offer:

1. (a)five written papers of three hours each;
2. (b)an essay of between 3,000 and 5,000 words;
3. (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.  Each candidate shall offer:

1. (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;
2. (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;
3. (c)a report of a research project of not more than 5,000 words, excluding footnotes;
4. (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 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.]151

 History and Philosophy of Science.  The examination shall comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B). Option A is normally the choice of students who intend to graduate after taking Part II; option B is normally the choice of those who plan to proceed to Part III. Students are free to choose either option.

A candidate who chooses option (A) shall offer

1. (a)three written papers of three hours each, to be chosen by the candidate from a list of not more than ten papers;
2. (b)a dissertation of between 5,000 and 12,000 words, inclusive of notes;
3. (c)two essays, each of not more than 3,000 words in length.

A candidate who chooses option (B) shall offer

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each, to be chosen by the candidate from a list of not more than ten papers;
2. (b)two essays, each of not more than 3,000 words in length.

The written papers shall be chosen from a list published by the Board of History and Philosophy of Science not later than the end of Full Easter Term in the year preceding the examination.

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.  Each candidate shall offer:

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each;
2. (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 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

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each;
2. (b)a critical review, in printed or typewritten form, of not more than 2,000 words, excluding tables, figures, and bibliography;
3. (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 Chair of the Faculty Board of Biology not later than the second Friday of Full Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall notify the Chair 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 Chair of the Faculty Board of Biology, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Chair, not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Chair for the subject proposed, or notify the Chair 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 Chair 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

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each, and a practical examination of two and a half hours;
2. (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

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each;
2. (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

1. (a)the examination requirements of one Half Subject, chosen from Chemistry, [Geological Sciences] 〈Earth Sciences〉152, Physics;
2. (b)the examination requirements of a subject from Part Ib of the Tripos, as specified in Regulation 23, subject to any restrictions outlined below;
3. (c)a dissertation of 5,000 words, inclusive of notes, but excluding tables, figures, and references. The subject of the dissertation shall be on a topic approved by the Head of the Department in which the candidate is offering the Half Subject. Each candidate shall obtain the approval for her or his subject not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. Dissertations shall be prepared in accordance with guidelines which shall be issued by the Faculty Boards of Earth Sciences and Geography, and Physics and Chemistry, jointly, not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. The dissertation shall be submitted to the Head of the Department in which the candidate is offering the Half Subject not later than the first Friday of Full Easter Term and shall bear the signatures of the teacher under whose direction the work was performed.

(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 Physics shall consist of:

1.  (1)two papers drawn from Papers 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the papers in Physics for Part II of the Natural Sciences Tripos;
2.  (2)one paper drawn from Papers 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the papers in Physics in Part II of the Natural Sciences Tripos;
3.  (3)two units of further work not to include the research review;
4.  (4)a computing exercise.

Each paper shall be of two hours’ duration.

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 Physics may not be offered unless the candidate has previously offered Physics A or Physics B in Part Ib of the Tripos.

(iii) The examination requirements for Half Subject [Geological Sciences] 〈Earth Sciences〉153 shall consist of:

1.  (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.  (2)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;
3.  (3)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 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] 〈Earth Sciences〉153 may not be offered unless the candidate has previously offered either [Geological Sciences A or Geological Sciences B] 〈Earth Sciences A or Earth Sciences B〉154 in Part Ib of the Tripos.

 Physics.  Each candidate shall offer:

1. (a)Papers 1, 2, 3, and 4;
2. (b)a minimum of three and a maximum of four from Papers 5, 6, 7, and 8;
3. (c)three or more units of further work;
4. (d)a computing exercise.

Each paper shall be of two hours’ duration.

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.

If a candidate offers four papers in (b) the Examiners will take into account the three components which they judge to be the best.

If a candidate offers more than three units of further work in (c) the Examiners will take into account the three components which they judge to be the best.

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.

 Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience. Each candidate shall offer

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each;
2. (b)a report of a research project.

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, Development, and Neuroscience or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department not later than the end of the Easter Term in the year preceding the examination. Each candidate shall either obtain the approval of the Head of 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 Michaelmas Term. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the third day of the Full Easter Term in which the examination is to be held.

 Physiology and Psychology. Each candidate shall offer

1. (a)four written papers of three hours, two in Physiology and two in Psychology;
2. (b)two 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 Physiology or Psychology.

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, Development, and Neuroscience or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department by 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 end of the Michaelmas Term. The two copies of the report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the third day of the Full Easter Term in which the examination is to be held.

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 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 two 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

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each;
2. (b)an essay of not more than 2,500 words, excluding tables, figure legends, and bibliography;
3. (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.  The examination shall comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B). For both options, each candidate shall offer

1. (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;
2. (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 end of the Michaelmas 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 fifth Monday of Full Lent Term.

The report of a research project shall be on a subject either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Head of Department of Psychology or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects announced by the Head of the Department at the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. Each candidate shall obtain the approval of the Head of the Department for the subject chosen not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term. The report shall be submitted to the Examiners not later than the tenth day of Full Easter Term.

If a candidate offers four papers and a dissertation, the Examiners shall assess her or his performance on (i) Paper 1 and (ii) three of the following: Papers 2, 3, 4, or the dissertation, discounting the one component out of the four in which they judge the candidate’s work to be least good, providing that no component out of Papers 2, 3, or 4 shall be discounted if it is not of at least second-class standard.

 Zoology.  Each candidate shall offer

1. (a)four written papers of three hours each;
2. (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;
3. (c)a critical review of not more than 2,000 words, excluding tables and bibliography;
4. (d)records of project work or practical work, or both.

The critical review 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 critical review 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.

Part III

32. The subjects of examination in Part III shall be as follows:

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. In addition to the requirements set out in Regulation 36, the Committee of Management for the Natural Sciences Tripos may authorize no more than ten additional interdisciplinary papers which shall be included in the examination requirements of one or more subjects. Public notice of the interdisciplinary papers shall be given not later than the end of the Easter Term in the year next preceding the examination, provided that the Committee of Management shall have the power of subsequently issuing amendments if they have due reason for doing so and if they are satisfied that no candidate’s preparation for the examination is adversely affected. The Committee of Management shall have power:

1. (i)in giving notice of the papers, to limit the subjects in which each paper is to be offered;
2. (ii)to specify the mode of assessment for each paper;
3. (iii)for each subject, to define or otherwise modify the duration of each examination paper outlined in Regulation 36 for candidates who choose to offer one or more of the interdisciplinary papers.

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

1. (a)a number of written papers;
2. (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

1. (a)two written papers, Paper 1 of three hours and Paper 2 of three and a quarter hours (the first quarter of an hour of which shall not be used for writing answers to questions);
2. (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

1. (a)three written papers of three hours each;
2. (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.

 〈Earth Sciences. Each candidate shall offer

1. (a)six written papers, each of one and a half hours’ duration and shall offer any assessed practical work associated with each of those papers;
2. (b)a written paper of three hours’ duration, consisting of two essays chosen from a list of topics having reference to general aspects of the Natural Sciences;
3. (c)a report of a research project of not more than 7,500 words, excluding footnotes;
4. (d)records of classwork and fieldwork.

At the discretion of the Examiners a candidate may be called for a viva voce examination on the candidate’s project work and on general aspects of the Earth Sciences.

The examination requirements and any practical work 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 any 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.〉156

 [Geological Sciences. Each candidate shall offer

1. (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;
2. (b)a report of a research project of not more than 7,500 words, excluding footnotes;
3. (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.]156

 History and Philosophy of Science. Each candidate shall offer

1. (a)a literature review of between 3,000 and 5,000 words;
2. (b)two short essays, each of not more than 2,500 words, excluding bibliography, each from a list of topics drawn from those covered by the Advanced Seminar;
3. (c)a research paper of not more than 5,000 words including footnotes but excluding bibliography;
4. (d)a dissertation, of not more than 15,000 words including footnotes but excluding appendices and bibliography.

All pieces of work must be approved by the Board of History and Philosophy of Science.

The literature review shall be submitted on the last day of Michaelmas Full Term. The list of short essay titles, from which candidates will choose two titles from eight, shall be issued by the Head of the Department of History and Philosophy of Science shortly after the division of Lent Term and students will have one week in which to prepare the two essays for submission to the Examiners. The title of each candidate’s research paper, which must be on a different topic from all other pieces of work, shall be approved by the Board of History and Philosophy of Science at its meeting in the second half of Lent Term. The research paper shall be submitted on the last day of Lent Full Term. The title of the dissertation and supervisor shall be approved by the Board of History and Philosophy of Science at its meeting in the second half of Lent Term. The dissertation shall be submitted at the beginning of the final week of Easter Full Term.

 Materials Science. Each candidate shall offer

1. (a)three written papers of three hours each;
2. (b)a report of a research project of not more than 7,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding appendices and bibliography;
3. (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 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 the beginning 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 division 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.

 Physics.  Each candidate shall offer

1. (a)one written paper of three hours in general physics;
2. (b)at least three major topics and at least three minor topics, provided that in place of one or more of the minor topics a candidate may submit either units of further work (comprising classwork and/or practical work) and/or a report of a project, undertaken during the previous Long Vacation, of not more than 5,000 words excluding footnotes;
3. (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, and the types of further work for the examination, including the form of assessment for each topic or piece of further work, not later than the beginning of the Michaelmas Term.

Records of further work shall be submitted to the Examiners through the Head of Department not later than the fifth Monday of the Full Easter Term in which the examination is to be held: they shall bear the signatures of the teachers under whose direction the work was performed.

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 third Monday of Full Easter Term.

The Examiners shall be provided by the Head of the Department of Physics with assessments of the reports or further work submitted by candidates under (b) and (c), and shall take the assessments into account in assigning marks for the examination.

 Systems Biology. Each candidate shall offer

1. (a)three written papers; one paper of two hours, 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);
2. (b)a computer-based practical examination of three hours;
3. (c)a practical report of a design project;
4. (d)a report of a research project of not more than 6,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography.

The subject of the research project may be either proposed by the candidate and approved by the Chair of the Course Management Committee, or chosen by the candidate from a list of approved subjects, which shall be announced by the Chair of the Course Management Committee 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 Chair of the Course Management Committee for the subject proposed, or notify the Chair of the Course Management Committee of the subject chosen from the list, not later than the first Friday of Full Michaelmas Term. 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 project reports.

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.

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2013–14, p. 41)

Unless otherwise stated, the written papers and practical examinations in a subject shall cover all aspects of the course.

Part Ia

Elementary Mathematics for Biologists

This paper is appropriate for candidates who do not have an advanced qualification in Mathematics before entry to the University.

Part Ib

Physics B

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.

Part II

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The maximum marks allocated to each component shall be as follows:

Chemistry

All candidates shall offer Paper 2 and Paper 3. 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 shall also offer either Paper 1A and Paper 4A or Paper 1B and Paper 4B.

Physical Sciences

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:

Physiology and Psychology

Candidates will offer two psychology papers from Papers 2, 3, and 4, taken by candidates offering the subject Psychology Option A (Psychology).

Psychology

The examination shall comprise two alternative options, (A) and (B). Option (A) is for students wishing to obtain accreditation with the British Psychological Society, and will be known as Psychology (Psychology); option (B) is for students who do not require accreditation with the Society, and will be known as Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience).