Course content

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 combined course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

For the Forensic Science element of the course, you will gain an in-depth understanding of forensic science, taught by academics and forensic professionals, as well as gaining valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast-moving science. You will be taught in our modern laboratory facilities and have access to state of the art equipment and our dedicated Crime Scene House. Our forensic science combined honours programmes are recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

This course will provide you with a broad education in the core areas of forensic science. Your studies will focus on key topics in forensic chemistry, analytical science, forensic biology and criminalistics science. You will develop your analytical science skills, enabling you to analyse a variety of forensic of evidence. This is complemented by additional emphasis on professional practice and an understanding of the roles of the crime scene investigator and the forensic scientist as an expert witness in the court. You may be able to study abroad for a semester (dependant on subject scheduling) or year at one of our partner universities.

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

Forensic Science - 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 Forensic Science 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*	45	15	15	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.

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

Forensic Science Year 1 (Level 4)

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Chemical Science Principles	15	None
Forensic Science Principles	15
Forensic Analysis	15
Forensic Identification	15

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

Forensic Science Year 2 (Level 5)

 

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Spectroscopy and Advanced Analysis	15	None
Forensic Genetics	15
Criminalistic Methods	15
Drugs of Abuse	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

Forensic Science Year 3 (Level 6)

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Forensic Science Team Research Project	15	Forensic Geoscience	15
Forensic Toxicology	15	Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis	15
Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Arson	15

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 Forensic Science in your final year you will study the following modules:

Compulsory modules	Credits	Optional modules	Credits
Forensic Science Team Research Project	15	Forensic Geoscience	15
Forensic Toxicology	15	Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis	15
Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Arson	15
Forensic Science Dissertation	15
Interpretation, Evaluation & Presentation of Evidence	30

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 ABC / BBB
• A level Physics or Maths at grade B or above. If Maths is presented without A-level Physics, then a grade of C or better in AS-level Physics is also required.***
• A level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above.

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 Chemistry/Biology and Physics/Mathematics units. Please contact us for advice.

International Baccalaureate

• 32 points to include Higher level Chemistry at 6, Higher level Physics at 5 OR Higher level Maths at 5 and Higher level Physics at 4 or above.

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/Biology units, please contact us for advice.

Please note

*     Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
**   If applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

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)

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.

Equipped with key scientific skills, practical experience and vital communication, team working and problem-solving abilities, you will become an independent scientist who will offer a great deal to prospective employers. Graduates have progressed to a range of different careers, including, within the forensic science sector, analytical laboratories, and teaching.

Our dedicated and supportive approach to teaching, coupled with excellent modern laboratories and industry standard equipment, mean that you will graduate with both a sound theoretical understanding of forensic investigations and their wider context, and relevant practical experience across a range of analytical and forensic techniques. Our teaching strategy is designed to enable you to become an independent scientist and critical thinker who will have a great deal to offer prospective employers.

Recent employers

• 2030 Labs LTD
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
• North Yorkshire Police
• Sandwell and Dudley Hospital
• Nottinghamshire Health
• Edmundson Electrical
• Vitalograph Ltd
• Bet365

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
• Forensic Scientist
• Scene of Crime Officer
• Toxicologist
• Microbiologist
• Scientific Laboratory Technician
• Analytical Chemist

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.