BSc (Hons) Astrophysics and Geology with International or Placement Year

Astrophysics and Geology at Keele enables you to study two interesting and engaging subjects and to develop a breadth of skills and knowledge so you are ready for your future career.

In astrophysics you will apply physics to understanding how the universe works and possibly explore questions like 'Is there an Earth-like planet around another star?' 'Is there a black hole at the centre of every galaxy?' And 'Why is the expansion of the Universe accelerating?' These are questions that astrophysics helps you discover the answer to.

Geology is the science that investigates how the Earth was formed, how life arose and evolved, why the Earth looks like it does today, what resources it contains and how we can find them. It draws on knowledge from many different aspects of science such as chemistry, biology, and physics as well as other subjects such as geography and environmental science. Modern society is based on the work of geologists in the hunt for natural resources for energy and materials for contemporary living. Geologists are likely to be in high demand for years to come due to the continuous evolution of modern societies.

Astrophysics will give you the quantitative and analytic skills needed for analysing data and solving problems and is underpinned by a core physics curriculum as set out by the Institute of Physics. This includes the fundamentals of classical and quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, solid state, atomic and nuclear physics, together with the mathematics that is used to describe them. We have our own observatory here at Keele that students on this combined honours programme can get involved with on a volunteer basis with the potential to learn some astronomical techniques.

As you progress, you will build on your existing knowledge in familiar core areas of astrophysics including mechanics, special relativity, nature of matter, gravitation, electricity, oscillations and waves. You will also focus on areas like the basics of stellar structure and stellar astrophysics. Later in your degree you will get the opportunity to study at a deeper level topics such as electromagnetism, cosmology, black holes and gravitational waves in different modules. Later in your degree you will get the opportunity to study at a deeper level topics such as electromagnetism, cosmology, black holes and gravitational waves in different modules.

Geology modules focus on the Earth, its structure, formation, composition, history, processes, hazards and materials. This course covers a range of topics which may include looking at rocks, minerals and fossils and geological processes and is strongly aligned to the role of geoscience in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. You will study topics such as the structure, formation, composition and history of the Earth, natural hazards, minerals and rocks, and palaeontology. To help you develop the appropriate learning skills and practical skills required in the study of geology, you will complete a 'core skills' module in the areas like fieldwork, health and safety, programming, statistics, data capture techniques and communication.

Throughout the course particular attention is paid to observation, recording and interpretation of geological phenomena in the field and laboratory so you can develop a complete grounding in geology that will allow you to perform your own independent geological studies.

There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork and applied problem-solving laboratory classes to prepare you for your final year research project. You will also gain work relevant experiences through a dedicated employability module. Studying on this course will provide you with the opportunity to align your Astrophysics and Geology BSc to your career aspirations and interests by choosing from a variety of optional modules in your final year.

Fieldwork is an essential component of the geology part of this degree. It provides the opportunity to relate the theory and practical activities covered in class to a natural laboratory. It is also a great way to foster connections with academics and peers and enables you to apply your learning to real-world situations.

Fieldwork activities may include: