School of Chemical and Physical Sciences brochures Physics Astrophysics brochure 2019 | Page 19

PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS | 19
Combined Honours Astrophysics Third Year
In your third year you will take core modules in Physics and
Astrophysics, plus option modules that reflect staff research interests.
Students continuing with both subjects as part of their Combined
Honours degree take a core module in Electromagnetism, do a
team-based project, and take two of several possible option modules.
Students specialising in Astrophysics 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, the Physics-oriented modules start from the base
of core physics that all Astrophysics and Physics students have in
common from their core studies at Levels 1 and 2.
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 Astrophysics,
another 6 hours per week.
The Year 3 modules are:
Continuing with
Two Subjects Specialising in
Astrophysics
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  
Astrophysics students have the unique opportunity in their final year project to analyse
data acquired with a robotic observatory built and operated by Keele as part of the
SuperWASP consortium. SuperWASP is the UK’s leading programme for extra-solar
planet detection. We have discovered more than 100 planets since 2006 and gathered
tens of Terabytes of research-quality data in the process. Some recent projects by our
students have exploited these data for novel investigations into stellar rotation, variable
stars and comets.
Liz Jones
(BSc Astrophysics with
Mathematics, 2014)
With such a friendly
atmosphere and
approachable staff,
studying Astrophysics
at Keele gives you the
necessary skills to take
on such a challenging yet
fascinating subject.
”
keele.ac.uk/physics