Natural Sciences
The main reason for choosing Natural Sciences at Cambridge (apart from
the brilliant teaching from world experts in their fields, amazing
facilities for lab work, dedicated staff, helpful college tutors, bla
bla - please pick up the nearest Cambridge leaflet/prospectus for a
near-endless list of what makes it so wonderful) is the breadth and
freedom of the Tripos system. As you are probably aware, the course
allows you to choose any combination of four subjects in your first
year and then three in your second year, giving you experience of what
your chosen subjects are about, how they are taught and whether you
really love them before being forced to make your final choice. This
sets us apart from lesser universities (such as Oxford), where you are
required to make life-altering decisions such as what degree to do
before even having finished school in most cases.
However, do not overestimate the breadth of the course - bear in mind that you are essentially choosing only three courses out of seven (discounting maths) in your first year and what you learn will influence what it is possible to choose later. By your second year if you don't have at least a vague idea of which field you are interested in you will have a very hard time as you have to choose a mere three out of 20 courses, almost all of which look completely fascinating. You will also have to have decided whether you are 'biological' or 'physical' in inclination before applying as your interview will be focused on one or the other, though if you really want to you can change that later and irritate your Director of Studies.
Why choose Peterhouse then? Science-wise there is not much that sets us apart from most colleges (although our science fellows really are great and they do care about us), but if you are looking for excellent teaching at world-class standard at a friendly, inclusive college with history and character then you need look no further.
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