Environmental Science and Physics

Environmental Science and Physics - BSc (Hons)

Explore the science and wider social, economic and ethical issues behind the worlds environmental challenges and gain insight into how the world works. Our accredited Environmental Science and Physics BSc will equip you with the knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to drive positive environmental change and gain employment in a wide variety of industrial sectors.

Year of entry

2023 - for 2024 entry see here - for 2023 entry see here

Course type

Combined Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Geography, Geology and the Environment School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

UCAS code

FFX3

Duration of study

3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

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Why study Environmental Science and Physics at Keele University?

Professional accreditation pathways are available

Top 20 in the UK for Physics (Guardian University League Table, 2022)

Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic natural environment to perform fieldwork

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

Course overview

Studying our combined honours in Environmental Science and Physics will give you the opportunity to develop a breadth of knowledge and a wide range of skills in two exciting subjects.

In environmental science you will explore the nature, causes and scope of the world's environmental challenges and gain an appreciation of the emerging technological, political and societal solutions to these issues. Your theoretical knowledge will be strengthened with hands-on experience in a series of skills such as statistics, Geographical Information Science, programming, qualitative methods and fieldwork. From carrying out research in the real world through an Environmental Impact Assessment to experimental design in environmental science investigations, our curriculum offers multiple opportunities to apply your learning to environments similar to those you may encounter within your career.

In physics you will build on your existing knowledge in core areas such as mechanics, special relativity, nature of matter, gravitation, electricity, magnetism, oscillations and waves. As you progress through the degree you will explore more advanced topics such as quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics, solid state physics, advanced electromagnetism, and potentially black holes, and gravitational waves. The programme will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the techniques you have acquired throughout your studies by completing a final year dissertation. You will also have the option to choose topics that are aligned to your career aspirations or personal interests.

Previous dissertation topics include:

Climate change impact on worms
Carbon footprint of business travel
Emissions from hybrid passenger cars
Horse trial events and soil compaction
Environmental attitudes to practitioners of free running

Previous final year projects in physics include:

Aerodynamics of wind turbines
Magnetic linear accelerator
Thermoacoustic refrigerator
Wireless transmission of energy

Fieldwork

From examining the main rock types and their physical structures to geological mapping, fieldwork is embedded into core modules throughout your studies to ensure you graduate with key environmental science observation and interpretation skills. Fieldwork in the second year provides the opportunity to investigate environmental science and management issues and environmental change within an unfamiliar environment.

Fieldwork activities may include:

Environmental survey design
Plant and invertebrate identification
Sample collection and preservation
Social science research techniques
Soil assessment
Water quality assessment

Learn from our campus - our own 'living laboratory'

Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic experimentation environment to perform fieldwork, test new ideas and discover solutions to real-world problems. From our lake system and extensive woodlands to the mining and industrial heritage of the local area, there are many opportunities to study in an authentic environment whilst practicing sustainably.

Gain work experience in environmental science

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. Between years two and three of your degree, you can choose to spend a year gaining practical experience with an environmentally-focused company or organisation. This will benefit you as you come familiar with the professional working environment and the opportunity to apply the skills and theories you have learnt.

Study abroad

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to experience different cultures and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Student support

We offer a multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters related to your course. You will also benefit from the support of an assigned academic mentor and access to Keele's dedicated Student Experience and Support team.

Related Courses

Environmental Science is available as either a Single Honours or Combined Honours degree.
If you're interested in the Combined Honours route through Environmental Science, you may also consider taking Environmental Science through our BSc/MSci Natural Sciences programme.
This allows you to combine your interests in environmental science, multiple additional sciences, and interdisciplinary practice within the structure of a Single Honours degree programme.

Next Steps

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Related Courses

Accreditation and professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, and the Institute of Physics. If you specialise in your final year, you will only be eligible for the accreditation aligned to the subject you have chosen to specialise in.

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Placement year International year Study abroad Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

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.

A Level requirements

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A Level Physics or Maths at grade B or above. If Maths is presented without A Level Physics, please contact the Admissions Team

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

GCSE requirements

Mathematics at C (or 4)
English Language/Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

DMM
To include sufficient Physics and Maths units, please contact the Admissions Team for advice.

International Baccalaureate

29 points to include Higher Level Physics at 6 or above OR Higher Level Maths at 6 or above plus Higher Level Physics at 4 or above.

If Maths is presented without Physics please contact the Admissions Team.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. You must have taken sufficient Physics and/or Maths related units. Please contact the Admissions team for advice.

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

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.

Next Steps

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Additional information

A Level requirements

BBC
A Level Physics or Maths at grade B or above. If Maths is presented without A Level Physics, please contact the Admissions Team

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

GCSE requirements

Mathematics at C (or 4)
English Language/Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

DMM
To include sufficient Physics and Maths units, please contact the Admissions Team for advice.

International Baccalaureate

29 points to include Higher Level Physics at 6 or above OR Higher Level Maths at 6 or above plus Higher Level Physics at 4 or above.

If Maths is presented without Physics please contact the Admissions Team.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. You must have taken sufficient Physics and/or Maths related units. Please contact the Admissions team for advice.

English Language Requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from .

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer 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.

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Sustainability is at the heart of our programme

At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies.

We are proud to be named Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards, 2021), which demonstrates our commitment to embedding sustainability into all that we do.

From the benefits to businesses to green their operations, employment opportunities in the field of sustainability and the implications of economic developments on the natural environment - sustainability modules are embedded throughout our programme

Find out more about Keele’s commitment to sustainability.

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"Studying Physics at Keele is a very enjoyable experience filled with opportunity and self-progression. Support is there for every turn whenever it is needed. Whenever I got so stuck on a problem or module that it seemed impossible, a lecturer has always been able to provide a clear, understandable explanation which has greatly helped me progress."

Sam, Physics

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The School of Geography, Geology and the Environment interactive guided tour

Use the interactive tour to explore Keele's state of the art science facilities and our beautiful living-laboratory campus that we use to enrich your learning experience.

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching

In environmental science we offer a personalised learning experience in an environment where you can feel part of a community. Our small class sizes will enable you to gain individual attention from your lecturers, forge close connections with other students and study in a focused environment. To ensure you receive a high-quality learning experience, teaching will be delivered through a diverse range of methods. Some classes are taught in workshop format integrating both lecture and practical material. Fieldwork provides a deep, immersive learning experience that puts geological processes and their products into their four-dimensional context.

Methods of teaching include:

directed reading
field courses
group presentations and linked discussion
lectures
practical and laboratory classes
problem solving classes
tutorials, seminars and workshops

In physics, our small cohort size enables you to gain a more personalised learning experience and as a result we will have the resource to get to know you better and give you customised guidance throughout your studies. The student voice is at the heart of our teaching. We regularly seek the opinion of our student body to enable us to continually improve our Physics programme. In addition to our variety of teaching methods, great emphasis is placed on teaching in smaller groups and collaborative working. This is supported by a diverse mixture of digital learning materials that are available on our Keele Learning Environment (KLE) and the assistance of PhD student demonstrators during practical sessions. Learning and teaching methods used on the programme vary according to the subject matter and level of the module.

Methods of teaching include:

computational laboratory classes
directed reading and independent study
exercise/problem-solving classes
group and individual projects
individual progress interviews
laboratory classes
lectures
literature research tasks
problem sheet assignments
tutorials
use of e-learning/the Keele Learning Environment (KLE)

Assessment

In environmental science you will assessed using a variety of methods to develop your academic and employability skills. These may include:

class tests
dissertation
essays
exams
field course portfolios
reflective diaries
technical reports

The physics component of the degree adopts a variety of assessment methods. This reflects the broad range of knowledge and skills that are developed as you progress through the degree. Teaching staff pay particular attention to specifying clear assessment criteria and providing timely, regular and constructive feedback that helps to clarify things you did not understand and helps you to improve your performance.

Methods of assessment include:

assessed problem sheets
dissertation
end of module examinations
engagement with problem classes
group oral presentations and reports
in-class exercises and tests
laboratory and project reports
mini-projects
observation of laboratory skills and laboratory notebooks
oral and/or poster presentations

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Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into the BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Physics programme, our Foundation Year can provide an alternative route into your degree.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years’ experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you’ll study on campus, joining our community from the outset, and you will have access to a range of support.

Read on to find out about:

Foundation Year indicative modules for the September intake
Foundation Year entry requirements
How to apply
UCAS code for this course

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

COURSE CONTENT

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

The Keele Foundation Year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Physics degree. For example, the Foundations of Physics module will introduce you to the mathematical skills needed to solve problems in physics at level 3 while studying fundamental equations and concepts in classical physics. In addition, the Foundations of Geography, Geology and the Environment module will provide knowledge of the basic underlying principles and concepts associated with the origins, evolution and structure of the Earth as a system. All of the modules you take will prove useful in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

SEMESTER ONE MODULES

FYO-00185	Practical and Academic Skills in Science	15 credits
FYO-00215	Foundations of Mathematical Methods	15 credits
FYO-00205	Foundations of Physics	15 credits
FYO-00193	Foundations of Geography, Geology and the Environment	15 credits

SEMESTER TWO MODULES

FYO-00209	Advancing Physics	15 credits
FYO-00231	Advancing Mathematical Methods	15 credits
FYO-00195	Advancing Geography, Geology and the Environment	30 credits

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above

HOW TO APPLY

Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Physics with Foundation Year (UCAS code: F306) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will then be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.

DIRECT ENTRY STUDENTS

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students who do not meet the entry requirements for this integrated Foundation Year course may be eligible to study an International Foundation Year stand alone programme.

Please visit the International Foundation Year pages for information on how to apply, entry requirements and course details.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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