Physics and Astrophysics Undergraduate Programmes for 2020 Entry 2020 Entry | Page 5

PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS | 5
Why Study Physics or Astrophysics?
What causes a superconductor to have no electrical resistance? When will we find an Earth-like
planet around another star? How big is a proton? Is there a black hole at the centre of every
galaxy? Where does mass come from? Why is the expansion of the Universe accelerating?
The fundamental aim of Physics and
Astrophysics is to achieve a unified
description of matter and energy, their
interactions and their interconnections
in all forms and on all scales, from sub-
nuclear particles to the Universe in its
entirety. Pursuing such a goal for its own
sake has an undeniable appeal, and in
many respects these are the epitome
of “curiosity-driven” subjects. But along
the way to answering some deceptively
simple and seemingly abstract questions,
research in Physics and Astrophysics has
provided the theories, methods and tools
for a multitude of practical applications
that underpin a great deal of modern life.
As just a few examples, consider solar
cells; medical imaging; atomic clocks
and GPS navigation; semiconductors
and integrated circuits; fibre optics and
broadband internet; even the models and
equations behind computer games and
CGI, weather forecasts and sophisticated
financial instruments.
The breadth of enquiry and the variety
of application are what make these
subjects so stimulating intellectually, and
so rewarding to study. But they also mean
that the knowledge and skills gained with
a Physics or Astrophysics degree are both
broad-based and far-reaching. Graduates
in these subjects have exceptional
range and flexibility and they are valued
highly, not only in academia but also by
employers in science- and engineering-
related industry, finance, business
consulting and management, software
development, health and medicine,
education and law.
Course Information
Keele has a long experience and unparalleled expertise in running Combined Honours degrees,
which allow you to study two subjects to degree level. For example, Physics and Mathematics
or Astrophysics and Geology or Physics and Computer Science or Astrophysics and Forensic
Science. You can do a combination simply because both subjects interest you, or because you
think they will work particularly well together in your future career or postgraduate studies.
Alternatively, specialise in Physics/Astrophysics and study your subject in greater breadth and
depth with our Single Honours degrees.
Single Honours BSc: Physics
or Physics with Astrophysics Combined Honours BSc: Physics
or Astrophysics
The Single Honours routes incorporate all
of the corresponding Combined Honours
courses, but as you are devoting all
your time in the three years to Physics/
Astrophysics they offer additional time
and space (4 more modules/year) to
increase both the depth and breadth of
study. There is a special focus on the
applications of theoretical, mathematical
and computational techniques to
solving problems ranging from the
physics of galaxies to the properties of
graphene, and additional opportunities
for independent research and learning in
year 3. In a Combined Honours degree, you
study Physics or Astrophysics along with
a second subject, in equal weight, over
the first two years of your BSc. Typically
you will take 4 modules in each subject
in each year. In year 3 you can continue
to study both subjects equally or you may
choose to specialise in one of them. To
attain an Institute of Physics accredited
degree you must study Physics/
Astrophysics during all three years.
There is a good deal of flexibility in
our programmes so you can change
pathways, if you wish, once you are in-
course on a degree. For example, overlap
built into the curriculums makes it easy to
switch from Physics to Astrophysics, or
vice versa, in the first year of your BSc.
The choice of whether to specialise in
one or other of your two subjects in year
3 of a Combined Honours degree can be
made (or changed) at any time before the
beginning of your third and final year.
keele.ac.uk/physics