Astrophysics - A summary of the total credit requirements per year is as follows, with a minimum of 90 subject credits (compulsory plus optional) required for each year across both of your Principal Subjects. This document has information about Astrophysics modules only; please also see the document for your other subject.

* in year 3 there is the option to choose to specialise in one of your subjects, taking a minimum of 90 credits in this subject rather than taking modules from both subjects

Chemistry - A summary of the total credit requirements per year is as follows, with a minimum of 90 subject credits (compulsory plus optional) required for each year across both of your Principal Subjects. This document has information about Chemistry modules only; please also see the document for your other subject.

* in year 3 there is the option to choose to specialise in one of your subjects, taking a minimum of 105 credits in this subject rather than taking modules from both subjects

It is possible to transfer onto the following courses from BSc Chemistry. You may elect to transfer between any of the courses tabulated below according to the deadlines given:

A summary of the BSc Chemistry with International Year programme is provided in Annex A. Please consult the MChem programme specification for full details. Please consult the BSc Medicinal Chemistry programme specification for full details. 

Year 1 (Level 4)

Astrophysics Year 1 (Level 4)

At level 4, Physics and Astrophysics students require a common knowledge and skills base. Therefore, many of the modules taught at level 4 are common to Physics and Astrophysics disciplines. You will study FOUR lecture-based modules of core Astrophysics.

The lecture-based modules are supported by problem classes and assessed problem sheets with an end of semester examination in each. These modules also include lectures, problems classes and tutorials in mathematics, and laboratory classes, which are an essential part of Astrophysics. The module descriptors provide detailed synopses of each module with suggested study reading and are available on the KLE.

Chemistry Year 1 (Level 4)

There are two compulsory 30-credit modules taken by all chemistry students at Level 4.

Whilst laying the foundations of the principles and vocabulary of Chemistry, you will be challenged to question knowledge and the nature of knowledge when you start to encounter problems that have more than one answer or interpretation.  You will be exposed to experimental evidence from a variety of sources and start to learn how such evidence supports, undermines or otherwise, the theoretical models and ideas upon which the subject of Chemistry is built. The practical classes emphasise development of core practical skills through hands-on experience of key techniques and procedures, as well as skills in laboratory safety, maintaining a laboratory diary, observation, information retrieval, IT skills, scientific writing and reporting in a variety of formats.

Year 2 (Level 5)

Astrophysics Year 2 (Level 5)

At level 5 you continue to be taught the fundamentals of Physics. Modules are common to Physics and Astrophysics in the first semester of the second year, but diverge significantly from the second semester of the second year onwards. In the first semester you take an Optics Laboratory and a short series of classes in developing your mathematical skills. In the second semester you take an Astrophysics laboratory.

Chemistry  Year 2 (Level 5)

Students will take three chemistry modules (one 30-credit module two 15-credit remaining chemistry modules.

In Year 2 the knowledge and skills acquired in Year 1 are developed with an increasing emphasis on the need to integrate knowledge and critically evaluate experimental evidence in solving theoretical and practical problems. In practical classes, new practical skills are developed and an increasing emphasis is placed on critical evaluation of experimental design and the analysis of complex data from multiple sources, including computational theoretical calculations and the scientific peer-reviewed literature. Sophisticated analytical techniques are introduced and applied to the investigation of a variety of problems, whilst communication skills are developed to include skills in oral presentation.

Year 3 (Level 6)

Astrophysics Year 3 (Level 6)

At level 6, you complete a group research project and follow one compulsory module plus two optional core modules of your choice from a list of available modules.

Chemistry Year 3 (Level 6)

In Year 3, increasingly sophisticated theories and ideas are introduced which require you to draw upon, integrate and extend the fundamental chemical principles introduced during Years 1 and 2. Choice of modules is available to allow you to pursue your specific interests, as well as choice within Topics in Chemistry. Course work is designed to allow you to develop a range of subject specific skills, focusing on engaging with scientific literature and experimental data sets, and working towards the Graduate Attributes through presentation, interviews and various written reports. You will also carry out a 15-credit Dissertation or Project (selected from a wide variety of research projects on offer) which places increased emphasis on your ability to work independently and critically evaluate practical investigations and the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

¹ Students must select one module from Optional Core Group 1 and two modules from Optional Core Group 2, to a total of 60 credits in Chemistry

If you choose to specialise in Astrophysics in your final year you will study the following modules:

You may, in addition to modules listed, include in level 6 of your Astrophysics course one suitable programme approved elective module from another Principal Course, provided that you are not taking the Principal Course from which that module is derived as part of your Combined Honours combination.

You will find that in teaching you we put emphasis on problem solving. This occurs in examples classes where you solve practice problems in Astrophysics in class with staff to assist you, in laboratory teaching where you will be expected to address practical problems and in your directed work for assessment. You are encouraged to call upon module leaders and the director of study for guidance. The academic staff will be willing to see you at almost any time and you will have one-to-one progress interviews each semester. The teaching team will monitor your progress and we will contact you if we find that you are not achieving all that you should and advise you on how to improve.

You will benefit from a flexible approach to learning the mathematical skills that are essential to the learning and application of Astrophysics. You will find that the classes on mathematics in level 4 are presented in a series of blocks. An assessment test is taken at the end of the class blocks. You will also attend supplementary supporting tutorials in mathematics.

If you choose to specialise in Chemistry in your final year you will study the following modules:

¹ Students may select an alternative level 6 elective module in lieu of Materials Chemistry & Catalysis for a minimum of 105 credits in Chemistry.

For further information on the content of modules currently offered, including the list of elective modules, please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/recordsandexams/az.