School of Chemical and Physical Sciences brochures Physics Astrophysics brochure 2019 | Page 7

PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS | 7
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.
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