Undergraduate Prospectus 2020 Keele Undergraduate Propsectus 2020 | Page 249

Physics and Astrophysics | 259
Physics (Single Honours)
BSc (Hons)
Why study this course?
Physics at Keele is consistently rated highly in the National Student Survey -
No. 1 for Physics and Astronomy in 2016 and 2017. The course features high levels
of contact time with staff engaged in world-leading research, an exceptional staff/
student ratio, and we are commended for the quality of feedback and advice we
give to students.
Physics is a fundamental, curiosity-driven science, that has applications
in many other areas and a vast range of industries from telecommunications
through to medicine and power generation. You will gain an understanding
of the subject fundamentals, including quantum mechanics, relativity
and electromagnetism, and apply this knowledge to solve problems, plan
investigations, analyse results and to report and present your work.
Your course will be informed by the research interests of staff: primarily
astrophysics and condensed matter physics, all of whom contribute
to the teaching programme. Regular laboratory sessions enable you to
investigate unfamiliar phenomena and develop valuable transferable
skills such as scientific writing, programming and presentation. We
operate an open-door policy that gives excellent and flexible access to
staff in seeking advice and feedback.
Our Single Honours Physics programme builds upon, and then goes
beyond, the core topics defined by the UK Institute of Physics to provide
both breadth and depth of study, with an additional emphasis on
mathematics and computing as tools for physical problem-solving.
What will this mean for my future?
A Physics degree from Keele will prepare you for many different careers.
Employers value versatile, numerate graduates who can analyse, investigate
and communicate. You could take up roles as a research scientist,
medical physicist, geophysicist, software engineer, or teacher; take on
roles that are not directly related to physics such as in management or
public services; or you might branch out to become a science writer,
chartered accountant or IT consultant.
Single Honours Physics is also ideal preparation for further study; many
of our graduates go on to physics-related master’s degrees or perform
research at a doctoral level.
INDICATIVE MODULES
First Year
• Mechanics Gravity & Relativity
• Nature of Matter
• Electricity & Magnetism
• Scientific Practice
• Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Second Year
• Nuclear & Particle Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Applied Physics & Emerging
Technologies
• Radiation Physics
• Mathematical Physics
Third Year
• Electromagnetism
• Physics Project
• Quantum Mechanics II
• Physics Dissertation
Plus 4 options from
• Cosmology
• Life in the Universe
• Particle Physics & Accelerators
• Polymer Physics
• Physics of Compact Objects
• Physics of Fluids
• Plasma Physics
• Atmospheric Physics
KEY INFORMATION
UCAS Code - F300
Foundation Year
Yes
Indicative entry
requirements
Single Honours
A level: BBB-ABC
(B in Physics and
Maths)
BTEC: DDD
Course duration
3 years or 4 years
with an international
year
Study abroad
Yes
International Year
Yes
Learn a Language
Yes
For information on courses that combine subjects please visit keele.ac.uk/ugcourses