Natural Sciences

BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics within the Natural Sciences programme (CFG0): 2023-2024

Entry requirements: See the Essentials
About BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics within the Natural Sciences programme
This course combines theoretical knowledge from mathematics with concrete applications in computer science.
In the first year you will study essential core components of mathematics and computer science, giving you a rigorous foundation for future years. Subsequently, you will have the opportunity to tailor your mathematics and computer science options so that you graduate with a balance of theoretical and practical skills that reflect your interests while the requirement to take Capstone credits will give your degree depth.

The current course structure is shown in the table below that consists of modules which must be studied in the appropriate year - click on the module code for the current module content. In Year 1 students are able to take 20 credits from any Group 1, 2 or 3 subject (see for a description of the Group subjects.) After Year 1, students focus solely on studying Computer Science and Mathematics. If students don't wish to take a particular module or include a third subject then it may be possible take up the option of the more flexible "BSc in Natural Sciences degree. The subjects in which modules have been taken successfully in the final two years are as follows: Computer Science and Mathematics". As the rules below permit, students may take up to 80 credits in one subject and no less than 40 credits in the other subject and always take precisely 120 credits in one year. UCAS applicants are invited to use the app to discover the key modules to self-build a degree

Year 1
Computer Science60 credits: Computational Thinking (COMP1051), Algorithms And Data Structures (COMP1081) and 20 credits from: Computer Systems (COMP1071); Programming (black) (COMP1101); Programming (gold) (COMP1111).
Mathematics60 credits: Calculus I (MATH1061), Linear Algebra I (MATH1071), Probability I (MATH1597), Statistics I (MATH1617).
Year 2
Computer Science60 credits: Modules taken from the Level 2 Computer Science list.
Mathematics60 credits: From the Level 2 Mathematics list where at most 20 credits may be from the Level 1 Mathematics list.
Year 3
Computer Science40 credits: Modules taken from the Level 3 Computer Science list.
Mathematics40 credits: Modules taken from the Level 3 Mathematics list.
Students must take no less than 20 credits and no more than 60 Capstone Modules from the following list:
Capstone modules40 credit Computer Science Project (COMP3012); 20 credit Computer Science into Schools (COMP3421); 20 credit Science Enterprise (NSCI3001); 40 credit Project III (MATH3382); 20 credit Mathematics into Schools (MATH3481); 20 credit Science Enterprise (NSCI3001);
Further details about the modules in the Computer Science list.
Further details about the modules in the Mathematics list.

Below is an example of modules that are timetabled to satisfy these rules except in Year 3 where the set may not include a capstone module. Click on the single digit numbered link on the left to see a sample timetable and the module code to see details about the module such as content, contact hours, teaching methods and assessment methods.

1Computational Thinking (COMP1051)Computer Systems (COMP1071)Algorithms And Data Structures (COMP1081)Calculus I (MATH1061)Linear Algebra I (MATH1071)Probability I (MATH1597)Statistics I (MATH1617)    
2Theory Of Computation (COMP2181)Artificial Intelligence (COMP2261)Data Science (COMP2271)Analysis I (MATH1051)Analysis In Many Variables II (MATH2031)Data Science And Statistical Computing II (MATH2687)Statistical Modelling II (MATH2697)    
2Theory Of Computation (COMP2181)Programming Paradigms (COMP2221)Data Science (COMP2271)Analysis I (MATH1051)Analysis In Many Variables II (MATH2031)Data Science And Statistical Computing II (MATH2687)Statistical Modelling II (MATH2697)    
3Computer Science Project (COMP3012)Bioinformatics (COMP3487)Parallel Scientific Computing I (COMP3577)Decision Theory III (MATH3071)Operations Research III (MATH3141)Cryptography And Codes III (MATH3401)     

Note that:

  • You can vary the balance between the two subjects in all years assuming the rules below and timetable will allow it.
  • In Year 3 students are required to take no less than 20 credits and no more than 60 Capstone Modules from two subjects. The minimum number of credits is reviewed on an annual basis as we are working towards students being required to take 40 credits, when this change happens students will be informed explicitly.

  • Not all combinations of the modules which make up the degree rules are guaranteed to timetable, but one set will.
  • If no student is following the Joint-Honours degree in a given year, then we do not ask for modules to be timetabled for that cohort in the following year.
  • The timetable changes each year.
  • Future changes in the Joint-Honours rules are either flagged up in the programme regulations in the Faculty Handbook or in the Computer Science/Mathematics advice.
  • Students are welcome to suggest to the Director better guaranteed combinations, but due to the quality assurance process and timetabling the lead in time is one year.

For more information about the Natural Sciences degree programme, please contact:

Prof James Blowey
Deputy Head of Faculty
Faculty of Science Office
Level 3 Chemistry Building
Durham University
DH1 3LE
UK

Email: Natural Sciences Director

WWW: Natural Sciences home page

The Natural Sciences web pages are maintained by James Blowey