Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 148

COMPUTING AND MATHEMATICS

Mathematics and
Astrophysics
Overview

The related disciplines of mathematics and
astrophysics are both intellectually stimulating
and useful. They involve high levels of abstraction
and conceptual sophistication, while contributing
decisively to finding the solutions to major
practical problems.

POP

DU

Second year
Your second year provides in depth study in
both disciplines.
In mathematics you will study core modules in
Differential Equations and in Complex Variable
and Vector Calculus, and choose two modules
from the following:

Mathematics has well established and rapidly
developing applications in science, new technology,
engineering, business, finance and medicine. Its
influence is now reaching areas such as law, sport,
ecology, psychology and the arts.

• Mathematical Modelling

Astrophysics develops and applies the laws
of physics to problems across the universe in
scales ranging from sub-atomic to astronomical.
Astrophysicists use astronomical observations,
mathematical models and computer simulation to
propose, test, evaluate and develop theories that
explain phenomena which push physical laws to
the limit.

• Stochastic Processes

You can formulate this programme to suit your
own style. In mathematics there is a wide range of
modules covering pure, applied and statistical fields
with an option to complete independent project
work. In astrophysics classical and modern physics
and astrophysics are developed, with an opportunity
to complete research orientated modules and
projects. You also have the opportunity to analyse
data from a robotic observatory built and operated
by Keele as part of the SuperWASP consortium. This
project has led to the discovery of more than 100
planets since 2006.

Course content

First year
Your first year will establish a foundation of learning
in mathematics and astrophysics on which more
advanced study can be built, to smooth the transition
to university level study.
In mathematics you will take two modules in
calculus and two in algebra which include material
on advanced differential and integral calculus,
differential equations, sets, functions and number
systems, vectors and matrices and optimisation.
In astrophysics your first year provides a
consolidation of fundamental physics and applies this
to understand the internal structure of stars. You will
study modules in Mechanics, Gravity and Relativity,
The Nature of Matter, Oscillations and Waves, and
Electricity and Stellar Structure, which include
mathematical methods and practical work.

• Dynamics
• Numerical Methods
• Probability
• Analysis I
• Analysis II
• Linear Algebra
• Abstract Algebra
• Operational Research
In astrophysics you will take the four modules
introducing the analysis of astronomical data,
laboratory work and further mathematical methods:
• Quantum Mechanics
• Optics and Thermodynamics
• Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics
• Stellar Astrophysics
Third year
In your final year you will study more advanced
material in both subjects.
In mathematics you will select four modules covering
pure or statistical mathematics and applied options,
some of which relate to theoretical astrophysics.
• Partial Differential Equations
• Nonlinear Differential Equations
• Waves
• Fluid Mechanics
• Relativity
• Numerical Analysis
• Mathematical Biology
• Professional Mathematics
• Graph Theory
• Group Theory
• Complex Variable II
• Logic
• Codes and Cryptography
• Ring and Field Theory
• Metric Spaces and Topology
• Medical Statistics
• Linear Statistical Models

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• Project