Undergraduate study

Why Physics?

Because fundamental Physics underpins everything that characterises life in the 21st century, including mobile phones, iPods, developments in medical diagnosis and treatment (e.g. MRI and laser surgery), 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.

Physics aims to understand the way our world and its environment works, at all levels from sub-atomic to astronomical scales. To achieve this, physicists use experiments, mathematical models and computer simulation to propose, test, evaluate and develop theories which explain phenomena in the natural world. More importantly, this depth of understanding allows us to predict behaviour and apply this knowledge to improve the quality of life both for individuals and for society as a whole.

Keele has a reputation for its research in the structure of soft condensed matter, ranging from biological materials such as DNA, to industrial polymers and chocolate.

You may tailor your dual honours degree to your career aspirations and interests, as Physics combines 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, and Politics.

There is sufficient overlap in the first year of the Physics and Astrophysics programmes that students can change in their first year and, typically, about 5-10% of the first year cohort take advantage of this option. You do not therefore make an irrevocable choice when you fill in your UCAS form. Study the subject that excites and interests you – you will achieve a better result in the end.

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.

Students pursuing a Dual Honours degree study four 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 he 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 Physics 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 topics.

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:
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 Continuous Matter
Physics of Galaxies
Physics of the Interstellar Medium
Polymer Physics
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.

Dual Honours course can be combined with:

Major and Foundation courses available:

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.

Membership of professional institutions

Our Dual and Physics (Major) courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics. Graduates in Physics who take either Major or Dual Honours are eligible for membership of the Institute of Physics.

Programme specifications (new window)

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.

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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.

Our Dual Honours and Major students have a strong record of success in obtaining both graduate-level employment and places on postgraduate courses (research PhD and taught MSc) after achieving their BScs with us. We believe that this success refects both the benefits of Dual Honours and the rigour of our IOP-accredited Physics programme. Recent graduates have used their Keele degrees to start careers in physics-related industry and education and in diverse other fields, such as IT and computer systems, health, actuarial science, management consulting and patent law, with employers including BAE, the NHS, Swiss Re, Dehns and other firms around the UK and Europe.