Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2017 | Page 140

Undergraduate Prospectus 2017 | Physics

Astrophysics
Key Information
Why study this course?

Learn to formulate and tackle problems in astrophysics – from below
the level of the atomic nucleus to astronomical scales.
Astrophysics is active wherever the laws of physics are being tested
to the limit – and beyond. Keele will help you to use astronomical
observations, mathematical models and computer simulation to
develop theories explaining some of the most complex phenomena.
You’ll develop your mathematics and computing skills, and apply
them to solving a range of problems in the laboratory and beyond
(you’ll have access to Keele’s own on-site observatory). We operate
an open-door policy which enables you to have excellent and flexible
access to staff to seek advice or feedback on their work. This course
is enriched by our research interests and international collaborative
research programmes. Take this course as a dual honours or a major
route and your degree will be accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Indicative modules

First year
• Mechanics, Gravity
and Relativity
• Nature of Matter
• Oscillations and Waves
• Electricity and Stellar Structure
Second year
• Quantum Mechanics
• Optics and Thermodynamics
• Statistical Mechanics
and Solid State Physics
• Stellar Astrophysics
Third year
• Group Project and Science
Communication
• Electromagnetism
• Dissertation
• Cosmology
• Physics of the Interstellar
Medium
• The Physics of Compact
Objects
• Quantum Physics of Atoms
and Molecules
• Polymer Physics
• Particles, Accelerators
and Reactor Physics
• Binary Stars
and Extrasolar Planets

• Life in the Universe
• Computational Methods
in Physics and Astrophysics
• Data Analysis
and Model Testing
• The Physics of Galaxies
• Quantum Mechanics II
• Physics of Fluids
• Atmospheric Physics
• Plasma Physics

Dual honours, major, minor
For information on dual
honours combinations
please visit www.keele.
ac.uk/ugcourses or page 158

Course duration
Three years

Indicative entry
requirements
ABB to BBB

For further information on
entry requirements please
visit www.keele.ac.uk/
entryrequirements

Study abroad
Yes

What will this mean
for my future?

An Astrophysics degree from
Keele will prepare you for many
different careers, which need not
be directly related to astrophysics.
You could take up all sorts of
roles in industry, management,
and public services, including
teaching, health and finance.
Many employers recognise
that the versatility and flexibility
of astrophysics means that
graduates possess a wide range
of very valuable skills, from
independent and critical
thinking to the solving of
sophisticated problems.

For more course information please visit

keele.ac.uk/physics
140

Course type

Book an Open day keele.ac.uk/visiting

Stephen Price

Astrophysics and Music
Technology, graduated 2011
I am currently working as a
Software Tester for a geological
software company that
specialises in oil and gas. I was
able to apply knowledge and
skills learnt from my degree to
the closely related geophysics
background of the software I
work with. However, this still only
gets your foot in the door; it will
always boil down to hard work
and an eagerness to learn. Keele
made me...miss it now I've left.