Undergraduate study

Overview

The course offers:

• Key concepts in classical and modern physics
• Research-orientated options and projects
• Strong tutorial support from academic staff
• Dual strengths in Physics and Astrophysics
• International collaborative research programmes informing our teaching and course design

Physics aims to understand the way our world works, at all levels from the sub-atomic to astronomical scales. To achieve this, physicists use experiments, mathematical models and computer simulation to propose, test, evaluate and develop theories that explain phenomena in the natural world.

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. Fundamental Physics is the basis of most developments which characterise life in the 21st century, including mobile phones, MP3 players, developments in medical diagnosis and treatment, wind power and the internet, and it will continue to be so as technology demands a greater depth and breadth of scientific understanding across all forefront developments.

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

A Physics degree from Keele will equip you with the skills to become a respected graduate and the warm, welcoming environment will make you enjoy and prosper in your studies over the three years.

Stephen Towe,

BSc (Honours) in Physics and Mathematics

Degree Routes

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

BSc Physics (Major) (F305) including study of a second subject for the first and second years.

Course Content

Students pursuing a Dual Honours degree study four physics modules in the first year, followed by four in each of the second and third years. Those majoring in Physics study four modules in each of the first and second years, and then six modules plus a dissertation and a project in the third year. The modules are taught through lectures, laboratory classes, problem-solving classes and project work.

The first year provides an introduction to mechanics and special relativity, to the laws of electricity and magnetism, to the search for the ultimate structure of matter, and to oscillations and waves.

These themes are developed in the second year, which includes physical and geometrical optics, nuclear and particle physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, with an introduction to solid state physics. Practical work includes a group project.

The third year contains advanced topics, options (including some topics from Astrophysics) and a project. A major in Physics includes a dissertation as well.

First year

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

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, laboratory work and an experimental team project are included in these modules.

Quantum Mechanics
Optics and Thermodynamics
Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics
Nuclear and Particle Physics

Plus modules in your other Principal subject.

Third year

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

BSc Dual Honours Physics
Electromagnetism
Physics Project 
Two options (see below)

Plus modules in your other Principal subject.

Physics (Major)
Electromagnetism
Physics Project
Dissertation and Communication Skills

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
  

Laboratory work

There are laboratory sessions every week in each year. Much of our understanding of Physics comes from observation and measurement, and laboratory work is therefore an essential experience for all physicists. 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 open-ended experiments and, in some cases, project work. Final year students have the opportunity to undertake an extensive project that may be experimental, theoretical or computational. In all three years, laboratory time provides an opportunity for informal contact and discussion with members of staff.

Codes and Combinations

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

Physics Dual Honours courses available include:

 * subject to approval

Major and Foundation courses available:

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is mainly through lectures with weekly problem-solving classes that provide you with an opportunity to practise problem-solving skills in Physics and Mathematics. Relevant mathematical techniques and scientific computing are taught as integral parts of the lecture courses. Coursework includes a series of numerical problems that aim to stimulate your understanding of the physical 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 students' laboratory diary. 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 Physics will equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to embark on a wide range of careers. Some of our graduates have continued their study of Physics 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 Physics graduates, together with their unique combination of skills, makes them much sought-after employees.

Membership of professional institutions

All of our Dual Honours and Physics (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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Physics and Mathematics
Physics and Mathematics complement one another, in that Mathematics is the language in which physical concepts and principles are written. While the requisite mathematical tools are taught from first principles in the Physics course, the Mathematics course provides a greater depth of understanding from a more abstract, mathematical, point of view. On the other hand, the grounding for some of the Applied Mathematics in the Mathematics course is given in the Physics course. Students will need to have successfully studied Mathematics at A2-level for this degree.

Physics and Chemistry
Physics and Chemistry are complementary disciplines. In the Physics course you cover the principles of atomic structure that underlie the fundamental structure of the periodic table, and the basic quantum physics, thermodynamics and structural concepts that will support your studies of spectroscopy and structure in the Chemistry course. Many physical processes, such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, are used to study the structure of materials (such as crystals and polymers) at the atomic level. Students taking this combination of subjects may continue with the Dual Honours course, or opt to specialise in either Physics or Chemistry in their final year.

Keele Physics and Astrophysics graduates gave us a 97% rating for overall satisfaction with our courses, in each of the 2011 and 2012 National Student Surveys. Included in these ratings are scores of 97% satisfaction specifically with the teaching on the programmes. The positive experiences of our students carry through to a nationally competitive record of post-BSc success, with many of our graduates either finding places on PGCE, MSc, and PhD courses, or using their Keele degrees to start careers in physics-related industry, education and many other fields.