Undergraduate Prospectus 2020 Keele Undergraduate Propsectus 2020 | Page 246

256 | Physics and Astrophysics
Astrophysics (Combined Honours)
BSc (Hons)
Why study this course?
Astrophysics at Keele is consistently rated highly in the National Student Survey -
No. 1 for student satisfaction in Physics and Astronomy in 2016 and 2017. Combining
Astrophysics with another subject allows you to continue following your interests
across a broader, multidisciplinary landscape, whilst still providing the core
knowledge and skills leading to a degree that is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Astrophysicists seek to understand the universe, from its smallest
constituents to the largest possible scales. The language of the universe
is physics and mathematics; Astrophysics students study these, along
with computational and statistical techniques, and apply their skills to
tackling problems as diverse as stellar interiors, black holes and the
evolution of the universe itself.
Taking Astrophysics as part of a Combined Honours degree, you will gain
an understanding of the fundamentals of physics and the essential ability
to plan investigations, analyse results and present your work. Regular
laboratory sessions, including access to our on-campus observatory,
enable you to investigate unfamiliar phenomena and develop valuable
transferable skills such as scientific writing and programming. We operate
an open-door policy giving excellent and flexible access to staff in
seeking advice and feedback.
What will this mean for my future?
As part of a Combined Honours degree, Astrophysics at Keele will
prepare you for many different careers. Employers value numerate,
versatile graduates who can analyse, investigate and communicate.
You could take up roles as a research scientist, medical physicist, or
enter the space, telecommunications or nuclear industries. Or instead,
you may find employment that is not directly related to physics or
astrophysics, such as a science writer, chartered accountant or IT
consultant. Many of our graduates go on to study for master’s degrees
or perform research at a doctoral level. Your choice of second subject
can only add to the possibilities above and opens up many other
multidisciplinary opportunities.
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
• Astrophysics Project
• Electromagnetism Plus 2-6 options
(depending on whether you
specialise in year 3):
• Cosmology
• Quantum Mechanics II
• Astrophysics dissertation
• Life in the Universe
• Particle Physics & Accelerators
• Data Analysis and Model Testing
• The Physics of Compact Objects
• Atmospheric Physics
• Plasma Physics
Study astrophysics for three years as part of a Combined Honours programme
and your degree will be accredited by the Institute of Physics.
KEY INFORMATION
Foundation Year
Yes
Indicative entry
requirements
Combined Honours
A level: BBC
BTEC: DDM
Course duration
3 years or 4 years
with an international
year
Study abroad
Yes
International Year
Yes
Learn a Language
Yes
For further information on entry requirements please visit keele.ac.uk/entryrequirements