Physics & Astrophysics

Overview

The course offers

• Research-orientated options and group projects
• Strong tutorial support from academic staff

Keele offers excellence in teaching; dual strengths in Astrophysics and in Physics; international collaborative research programmes informing the teaching and course design; and a well-equipped observatory on campus.

Astrophysics develops and applies the laws of physics to problems across the universe, involving phenomena from below the level of an atomic nucleus to astronomical scales.

Astrophysical phenomena test physical laws to the limit, and often beyond; the extreme conditions encountered in the first moments of the Big Bang provide the only known laboratory for testing physical theories of the fundamental interactions, and of the ultimate structure of matter. In their work, astrophysicists use astronomical observations, mathematical models and computer simulation to propose, test, evaluate and develop theories that explain these phenomena.

This depth of understanding allows us to predict behaviour and apply knowledge to improve the quality of life both for individuals and for society as a whole.There are many spin-offs from Astrophysics research that have impacted on our daily lives, from developments in the detection of radiation as applied to clinical medicine, to computer software and hardware developments generated through the demands of such research.

Students may tailor their Dual Honours degree to their career aspirations, as Astrophysics couples well with a range of subjects both from within the sciences – for example, Mathematics, Computer Science, Geology – and from the humanities and social sciences – for example, Music, Philosophy or Politics.

Choosing Keele for Astrophysics is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The lecturers are truly dedicated to their students, and the course itself is outstanding. I cannot think of a more perfect place to study this amazing subject.”

Danielle Berry,

3rd year student in Astrophysics with Creative Computing

Degree routes

BSc Dual Honours Astrophysics

Students can combine Astrophysics with a science or non-science subject in equal weight for three years to achieve a BSc Dual Honours degree (see list).

BSc Astrophysics (Major) (F510)

Students will be required to read a second subject for the first two years.

Course Content

To achieve a Dual Honours degree students will study four Astrophysics modules in the first year, followed by four in each of the second and third years. The first year provides an introduction to mechanics and special relativity, to the laws of electricity, to the search for the ultimate structure of matter, to oscillations and waves, and to the internal structure of stars; this is complemented by a range of practical work in Physics and Astrophysics, Mathematics and problem-solving sessions. These themes are developed in the second year, which includes physical and geometrical optics, stellar astrophysics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics with an introduction to solid state physics. Practical work includes an introduction to the analysis of astronomical data. The third year contains advanced topics, options (including some from Physics) and a project. Students majoring in Astrophysics study six core and option modules, complete a dissertation and undertake a group project.

Laboratory and observatory work

There are laboratory sessions each week in all three years, including computational, team activities and group project work. Much of our understanding of Physics and Astrophysics comes from observation and measurement, and laboratory work is therefore an essential experience for all physicists and astrophysicists; the on-campus observatory at Keele also enables Astrophysics students to gain experience of observing. Experiments are designed to investigate unfamiliar phenomena and to acquire specific techniques and skills. Students will learn how to communicate their results and ideas by means of discussions, abstracts and reports or papers. The second and third years provide increasing scope for creative work in the laboratory through more open-ended experiments and, in the third year, group project work.

First year

All lecture-based modules are supported by problem-solving classes, mathematical methods and laboratory work. The emphasis is on core physics, mathematics and practical skills.

Core modules

Mechanics, Gravity and Relativity
The Nature of Matter
Oscillations and Waves
Electricity and Stellar Structure

Plus modules in your other Principal subject and (where appropriate) modules from the University list of electives.

Second year

All lecture-based modules are supported by problem-solving classes; mathematical methods and laboratory work are included in these modules:

Quantum Mechanics
Optics and Thermodynamics
Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics
Stellar Astrophysics

Plus modules in your other Principal subject.

Third year

You will study advanced astrophysics, undertake a group project and choose one or more options from our broad list of modules:

BSc Dual Honours Astrophysics

Electromagnetism and Radiation
Astrophysics Project and Science Communication
Two options (see below)

Plus modules in your other Principal subject.

Astrophysics (Major)

Electromagnetism and Radiation
Astrophysics Project and Science Communication
Dissertation

Plus five options which may include:

• Atmospheric Physics
• Cosmology
• Computational Methods in Physics and Astrophysics
• Data Analysis and Model Testing
  
• Life in the Universe
• Particles, Accelerators, and Reactor Physics
• Physics of Compact Objects
• Physics of Fluids
  
• Physics of Galaxies
• Physics of the Interstellar Medium
• Polymer Physics
• Quantum Mechanics II
• Quantum Physics of Atoms and Molecules

Codes and Combinations

All students who study a science subject are candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science (with Honours) (BSc Hons).

Astrophysics Dual Honours courses available include:

 * subject to approval

Major and Foundation courses available:

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is by a mixture of lectures and laboratory classes. Problem-solving classes provide an opportunity to practise problem-solving skills in Astrophysics, Physics and Mathematics. In all three years, laboratory time provides an opportunity for informal contact and discussion with members of staff. The necessary mathematical background is provided via lectures and problem-solving classes, and scientific computing is an integral part of the laboratory course.

A series of applied problems aims to stimulate an understanding of the physical and astrophysical concepts arising from the lecture courses and to enhance skills in quantitative reasoning. Assessment is by a mixture of end-of-module examinations and the coursework completed during the semester; this comprises problem sheets, laboratory and project reports and laboratory diaries. The assessment balance over the course as a whole is around 60% examination, 40% coursework.

Programme specifications (new window)

Skills and Careers

A degree in Astrophysics will equip students with the same range of knowledge and skills as a degree in Physics, enabling them to embark on a wide range of careers. Some of our graduates have continued their study of Astrophysics to MSc or PhD level, either at Keele or elsewhere. Many have gone into industry, management, public services including teaching and health, and finance. It is recognised by employers that the versatility and flexibility of Astrophysics graduates, together with their unique combination of skills, makes them much sought-after employees.

Membership of professional institutions

All of our Dual Honours and Astrophysics (Major) BSc degrees, with any second subject, are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Graduates of accredited BSc programmes are eligible for Associate Membership of the IOP. After a period of relevant work experience, they can apply for Full Membership of the IOP and, eventually, Chartered Physicist status.

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Astrophysics and Computer Science

Perhaps more than any other discipline, Astrophysics has made enormous strides in recent years as a direct consequence of advances in computing hardware and software. For example, the breathtaking images we receive from the Hubble Space Telescope rely on hardware and software at the telescope itself, telemetry down to a ground-station, followed by sophisticated reduction and analysis of the received image. Furthermore, it is now possible to use large-scale ‘number-crunching’ to calculate (for example) the complex interactions between millions of stars as two galaxies collide. Using advanced computational techniques, it is now possible to address problems that would have been inconceivable even a decade ago.

Astrophysics and Geology

Both these science subjects are firmly based on experimental fieldwork, except that in the Astrophysics case this is astronomical observation. The geological nature of the planets and other bodies in space are of significant scientific interest and also of commercial interest as future sources of minerals. Astrogeological activity (including, for example, planetary volcanoes) is another area of common interest. From the career perspective this combination prepares students well for work in exploration and in geophysics, as well as providing rewarding study of a huge range of natural phenomena across the universe.

Dual Honours and Astrophysics (Major) students have the unique opportunity in their final year Project to analyse data acquired with a robotic observatory built and operated by Keele as part of the SuperWASP consortium. SuperWASP is the UK's leading programme of extra-solar planet detection. We have discovered more than 80 planets since 2006 and gathered tens of Terabytes of research-quality data in the process. Some recent projects by our students have exploited these data for novel investigations into stellar rotation, variable stars and comets.