Undergraduate Prospectus 2020 Keele Undergraduate Propsectus 2020 | Page 247

Physics and Astrophysics | 257
Astrophysics and Mathematics
BSc (Hons)
Why study this course?
Astrophysics and Mathematics at Keele are both consistently rated highly in
the National Student Survey. The course features high levels of contact time
with academic staff engaged in world-leading research.
This course is suited to those who would like to study Mathematics and
Astrophysics in equal weight and gain a deep understanding of a scientific
domain to which they can apply their mathematics knowledge. Astrophysicists
seek to understand the universe, from its smallest constituents to the
largest possible scales. Astrophysics students apply physics, mathematics
and computational techniques to tackle problems as diverse as stellar
interiors, black holes and the evolution of the universe itself.
In the Mathematics element of the course you will explore the beauty,
elegance and practicality of pure mathematics, applied mathematics
and statistics. You will learn to use maths to develop precise and logical
arguments, construct rigorous proofs, and formulate solutions to new
problems. We recognise the need for making the transition from A Level
to University Mathematics as smooth as possible and have a carefully
designed first year curriculum and a multi-layered student support structure.
What will this mean for my future?
With a Keele Astrophysics and Mathematics degree you could take up
roles as a research scientist, medical physicist, or enter the space,
telecommunications or nuclear industries. You may instead find
employment as a science writer, chartered accountant or IT consultant.
Many of our graduates go onto further study at Master’s/PhD level.
Our course helps you to take novel approaches to problem solving and
make critical interpretations of data and text; your skills will be in demand
wherever there is a need for logical thinking. An extremely wide range of
career paths is open to mathematicians including fields of work as diverse
as finance, data analytics, teaching, engineering and management
consultancy.
INDICATIVE MODULES
First Year
• Calculus
• Algebra
• Mechanics Gravity & Relativity
• Nature of Matter
Second Year
• Mathematical Modelling
• Differential Equations
• Stellar Astrophysics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Dynamics
• Optics & Thermodynamics
Third Year
• Electromagnetism
• Astrophysics Project
Plus options from
• Non-Linear Differential Equations
• Cosmology
• Life in the Universe
• Physics of Fluids
• Waves
• Physics of Compact Objects
• Professional Mathematics
• Partial Differential Equations
• Nonlinear Differential Equations
• Plasma Physics
Studying Astrophysics as a combined subject for three years means that your
degree will be accredited by the Institute of Physics.
KEY INFORMATION
UCAS Code - FG51
Foundation Year
Yes
Indicative entry
requirements
Combined Honours
A level: BBC
BTEC: DDM
Course duration
3 years or 4 years
with an international
year
International Year
Yes
Learn a Language
Yes
For information on courses that combine subjects please visit keele.ac.uk/ugcourses