Physics and Astrophysics Undergraduate Programmes for 2020 Entry 2020 Entry | Page 11

PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS | 11 Combined Honours Physics Third Year In your third year you will take core modules in Physics, plus a choice of several option modules that reflect staff research interests. Students continuing with both subjects as part of their Combined Honours BSc degree take a core module in Electromagnetism, do an individual project, and take two option modules. Students specialising in Physics also take Electromagnetism and do a project, plus they research and write a dissertation and take a total of five option modules. Student demand determines which options, out of the full array listed here, are run in any given academic year. All of the option modules are open to any Physics or Astrophysics student. In particular, Astrophysics-oriented modules do not assume any prior knowledge of astronomy, but develop their subjects as applications and extensions of the fundamental, core physics covered at Levels 1 and 2 by all Keele students. Each lecture module (whether core or option) involves 2 hours per week of lectures. In many cases, the module lecturer will additionally offer regular tutorial sessions. Project work takes approximately 6 hours per week, and the dissertation for students specialising in Physics another 6 hours per week. Indicative Year 3 modules are: Continuing with Two Subjects Specialising in Physics Core Core Option Electromagnetism   Physics Project   Dissertation Option  Atmospheric Physics   Binary Stars and Exoplanets   Cosmology   Data Analysis and Model Testing   Life in the Universe   Particle Physics and Accelerators   Physics of Compact Objects   Physics of Fluids   Plasma Physics   Polymer Physics   Quantum Mechanics II   All Physics students carry out an independent research project, with guidance from academic staff, throughout their third year. The project can be experimental, computational or theoretical in nature. Students can choose from a list of suggested topics, or they may (with staff approval) develop one from scratch that fits their own interests. Projects build on the knowledge base and the experimental, analytical and reporting skills acquired during Years 1 and 2, and they also develop new physics- specific expertise and transferable skills for employment. CONNOR MARTIN (BSC PHYSICS WITH MATHEMATICS, 2016) “My Physics course at Keele provided me with answers to the mysterious, from the weirdness of quantum mechanics to the vastness of cosmology. I feel confident and ready to use the skills I have learned here to go further, in a postgraduate degree”. keele.ac.uk/physics