Course content

There are clear overlaps between Astrophysics and Chemistry, indeed the disciple of Astrochemistry is defined ‘as the study of the abundance and reactions of molecules in the Universe and their interaction with radiation’.

Through Keele's innovative combined honours programmes you have the opportunity to study Chemistry alongside Astrophysics. Much of modern scientific research occurs at the boundary of different scientific disciplines and therefore graduates with a fundamental knowledge of both disciplines can have a particular advantage when moving into careers requiring knowledge of both.

In Astrophysics, you will learn to formulate and tackle problems – from below the level of the atomic nucleus to astronomical scales. Astrophysics is active wherever the laws of physics are being tested to the limit – and beyond. Keele will help you to use astronomical observations, mathematical models and computer simulation to develop theories explaining some of the most complex phenomena. You’ll develop your mathematics and computing skills, and apply them to solving a range of problems in the laboratory and beyond (you’ll have access to Keele’s own on-site observatory). We operate an open-door policy, which enables you to have excellent and flexible access to staff to seek advice or feedback on their work. This course is enriched by our research interests and international collaborative research programmes. 

Our Chemistry courses are taught in our newly opened Central Teaching Laboratories and you will have hands on experience of using industry standard equipment and instrumentation.

In Chemistry you’ll develop a solid foundation of theory and practical skills, building to cover advanced concepts and contemporary issues in chemistry in later years.  You can tailor your studies to reflect your interests, and learn how to pursue your own research in your final year. Our Chemistry courses are taught in our newly opened Central Teaching Laboratories and you will have hands on experience of using industry standard equipment and instrumentation.  You’ll have hands-on experience with state-of-the-art scientific instruments and techniques in world class laboratories, and enjoy access to dedicated IT facilities. You’ll learn to use chemistry in problem solving, and to present your theories and findings confidently and imaginatively to your audiences.  You can even spend a semester or year abroad or on placement in industry. To find out more about our range of Chemistry courses take a look at our Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry course brochure.

This combined course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

If you chose to specialise in Chemistry in the final year of your course and graduate with a Chemistry with Astrophysics BSc,  your degree will be accredited by The Royal Society of Chemistry.

*Combined honours Chemistry with an Industrial Placement Year BSc has been submitted for accreditation by The Royal Society of Chemistry

Course structure

Our degree courses are organised into modules. Each module is usually a self-contained unit of study and each is usually assessed separately with the award of credits on the basis of 1 credit = 10 hours of student effort. An outline of the structure of the programme is provided in the tables below.

There are three types of module delivered as part of this programme. They are:

• Compulsory modules: a module that you are required to study on this course;
• Optional modules: these allow you some limited choice of what to study from a list of modules;
• Elective modules: a free choice of modules that count towards the overall credit requirement but not the number of subject-related credits.

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.

Year	Compulsory	Optional		Electives
		Min	Max	Min	Max
1	60	0	0	0	0
2	60	0	0	0	0
3*	30	30	30	0	0

* 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.

Year	Compulsory	Optional		Electives
		Min	Max	Min	Max
1	60	0	0	0	0
2	60	0	0	0	0
3*	15-105	0-45	15-45	0	0-15

* 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:

Degree Title	Duration	Transfer Deadline
BSc Chemistry (Single Honours)	3 years	Transfer by week 1 of semester 1 of year 2
BSc Chemistry with International Year (Single Honours)	4 years	Transfer by week 1 of semester 1 of year 2
BSc Medicinal Chemistry (Combined Honours)	3 years	Transfer by week 1 of semester 1 of year 2
MChem Chemistry	4 years	Transfer by week 1 of semester 1 of year 2

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.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Mechanics, Gravity and Relativity	15	None
Nature of Matter	15
Oscillations and Waves	15
Electricity and Stellar Structure	15

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.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Chemical Structure and Reactivity	30	None
Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills	30

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.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Quantum Mechanics	15	None
Optics and Thermodynamics	15
Statistical mechanics and Solid State Physics	15
Stellar Astrophysics	15

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.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Molecular Chemistry and Reactions	30	None
Spectroscopy and Analysis	15
Physical and Structural Chemistry	15

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.

Compulsory Core modules	Credits	Optional core modules	Credits
Group Project and Science Communication	15	Cosmology	15
Electromagnetism	15	Physics of the Interstellar Medium	15
		The Physics of Compact Objects	15
		Quantum Physics of Atoms and Molecules	15
		Polymer Physics	15
		Particle Physics and Accelerators	15
		Binary Stars and Extrasolar Planets	15
		Life in the Universe	15
		Computational Methods in Physics and Astrophysics	15
		Data Analysis and Model testing	15
		The Physics of Galaxies	15
		Quantum Mechanics II	15
		Physics of Fluids	15
		Atmospheric Physics	15
		Plasma Physics	15

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.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules1	Credits
Topics in Chemistry	15	Group 1: Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Research Project Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Dissertation	15   15
		Group 2: Advanced Organic Chemistry Kinetics, Photochemistry & Inorganic  reaction Mechanisms Inorganic, Physical & Solid State Chemistry	15 15   15

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:

Compulsory Core modules	Credits	Optional core modules	Credits
Group Project and Science Communication	15	Cosmology	15
Electromagnetism	15	Physics of the Interstellar Medium	15
Dissertation	15	The Physics of Compact Objects	15
		Quantum Physics of Atoms and Molecules	15
		Polymer Physics	15
		Particle Physics and Accelerators	15
		Binary Stars and Extrasolar Planets	15
		Life in the Universe	15
		Computational Methods in Physics and Astrophysics	15
		Data Analysis and Model testing	15
		The Physics of Galaxies	15
		Quantum Mechanics II	15
		Physics of Fluids	15
		Atmospheric Physics	15
		Plasma Physics	15

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:

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules1	Credits
Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Research Project	15	Materials Chemistry & Catalysis	15
Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Dissertation	15
Advanced Organic Chemistry	15
Kinetics, Photochemistry & Inorganic  reaction Mechanisms	15
Inorganic, Physical & Solid State Chemistry	15
Advanced Chemical Analysis	15
Topics in Chemistry	15

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.

The module details given above are indicative and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. We regularly review our teaching to ensure that the modules we offer are up-to-date; therefore, the modules available to study are liable to change.

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.

A Level requirements

• A Level requirement BBC
• A Level Chemistry and Physics or Maths at grade B. If Maths is presented without A-level Physics, please contact Admissions.
• A Pass in the Chemistry Science Practical is required.

GCSE requirements

• Maths at C (or 4) if not taken at A Level or AS-Level
• English Language at C (or 4)
  

BTEC

• BTEC requirements DDD
  You must have taken sufficient Maths / Physics and Chemistry units, please contact us for advice

International Baccalaureate

• 30 points to include Higher Level Chemistry at 6 plus Higher Level Maths or Physics at 5. If Maths is presented without Physics, please contact Admissions.
  

Access to HE Diploma requirements

• Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 122 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, to include sufficient Maths/Physics and Chemistry units, please contact us for advice.

 

Not got the grades?

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, Foundation Year offers an alternative route to study for this degree.

PREPARATION PROGRAMMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Fees and funding

Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.

For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

Career prospects

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)

Keele enjoys high rates of graduate employment, where in 2016, were recognised nationally as 1st for employability in the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey.

An Astrophysics degree from Keele will prepare you for many different careers, which need not be directly related to astrophysics. You could take up all sorts of roles in industry, management, and public services, including teaching, health and finance. Many employers recognise that the versatility and flexibility of astrophysics means that graduates possess a wide range of very valuable skills, from independent and critical thinking to the solving of sophisticated problems.

From your study of chemistry, you might work in industry, research or education; you could choose to become a chemical engineer, research scientist, toxicologist, patent lawyer, analytical chemist or technical writer. Many students go on to higher study after a first degree in chemistry, allowing them to specialise in an area of interest such as analytical, forensic, synthetic or materials chemistry and eventually work in a wide range of other specialist roles.

Recent employers

• Edmundson Electrical
• Vitalograph Ltd
• Bet365
• Vision Express
• Pharmaron UK Ltd
• Johnson Matthey
• GSQ
• Endeavour Speciality Chemicals Ltd
• NHS
• Education First
• Halifax
• IBM
• United Utilities

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:

• Research Scientist
• Geophysicist
• Science Teacher
• HE Lecturer
• Medical Physicist
• Operational Researcher
• Software Engineer
• Radiation Practitioner
• Clinical Biochemist
• Forensic Scientist
• Toxicologist
• Clinical Research Associate
• Analytical Chemist
• Chemical Engineer
• Pharmacologist

Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment.

It is estimated that 60% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. This demonstrates the flexibility of many graduate employers when setting out their academic requirements and that students are not necessarily restricted to careers related to their degree.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.