Undergraduate Prospectus 2020 Keele Undergraduate Propsectus 2020 | Page 251

Physics and Astrophysics | 261
Physics (Combined Honours)
BSc (Hons)
Why study this course?
Combining Physics 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 UK Institute
of Physics. Physics at Keele is consistently rated highly in the National Student
Survey - No. 1 for Physics and Astronomy in 2016 and 2017.
Physics is a fundamental, curiosity-driven science, that has applications
in many other areas of science and a vast range of industries from
telecommunications through to medicine and power generation. Taking
Physics as part of a Combined Honours degree, 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.
What will this mean for my future?
As part of a Combined Honours degree, Physics at Keele prepares 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.
Many of our graduates go on to study for a master’s degree 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.
Study physics for three years as part of a Combined Honours programme and your
degree will be accredited by the Institute of Physics.
INDICATIVE MODULES
First Year
• Mechanics, Gravity & Relativity
• Nature of Matter
• Electricity & Magnetism
• Oscillations & Waves
Second Year
• Quantum Mechanics
• Nuclear & Particle Physics
• Statistical Mechanics & Solid
State Physics
• Optics & Thermodynamics
Third Year
• Electromagnetism
• Physics Project
Plus either 2 or 6 options
(depending on whether you
specialise in year 3) from
• Quantum Mechanics II
• Physics Dissertation
• Particle Physics & Accelerators
• Physics of Fluids
• Plasma Physics
• Cosmology
• Physics of Compact Objects
• Life in the Universe
• Atmospheric Physics
• Polymer 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 information on courses that combine subjects please visit keele.ac.uk/ugcourses