Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 53
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is by a mixture of lectures and laboratory classes.
Problem-solving classes provide an opportunity to practise
problem solving skills in astrophysics, physics and mathematics.
In all three years, laboratory time provides an opportunity for
informal contact and discussion with members of staff. The
necessary mathematical background is provided via lectures
and problem-solving classes, and scientific computing is an
integral part of the laboratory course. A series of applied
problems aims to stimulate an understanding of the physical
and astrophysical concepts arising from the lecture courses
and to enhance skills in quantitative reasoning. Assessment is
by a mixture of end-of-module examinations and the coursework
completed during the semester, which comprises problem
sheets, laboratory and project reports and laboratory diaries.
The assessment balance over the course as a whole is around
60% examination, 40% coursework.
Skills and careers
A degree in astrophysics will equip you with the same range
of knowledge and skills as a degree in physics, enabling you
to embark on a wide range of careers. Some of our graduates
have continued their study of astrophysics to MSc or PhD level,
either at Keele or elsewhere. Many have gone into industry,
management, public services including teaching, health, and
finance. It is recognised by employers that the versatility and
flexibility of astrophysics graduates, together with their unique
combination of skills, makes them much sought-after employees.
Course type
Dual honours, major
Entry
requirements
BBB/ABC
(For exclusions and other
qualifications please see
the entry requirements
table on page 230 to 239)
WWW.KEELE.AC.UK/UNDERGRADUATE
Key Information
Approximate
intake
20
Study abroad
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Membership of professional institutions
All of our degrees are accredited by the Institute of Physics
(IOP). Graduates of accredited BSc programmes are eligible for
Associate Membership of the IOP. After a period of relevant work
experience, they can apply for full membership of the IOP and,
eventually, Chartered Physicist status.
Good to know
Dual honours and Astrophysics (Major) students
have the unique opportunity in their final year
project to analyse data acquired with a robotic
observatory built and operated by Keele as part
of the SuperWASP consortium. SuperWASP is
the UK’s leading programme of extra-solar
planet detection. We have discovered more than
100 planets since 2006 and gathered tens of
terabytes of research-quality data in the process.
Some recent projects by our students have
exploited these data for novel investigations
into stellar rotation, variable stars and comets.
www.keele.ac.uk/ugcourses
UCAS Dual honours programmes
NF45 Accounting
FT57 American Studies
CF75 Biochemistry
FF15 Chemistry
FG54 Computer Science
FM59 Criminology
FL51 Economics
FX53 Education
FQ53 English
FF59 Environmental Studies
F5N3 Finance
FF54 Forensic Science
FL57 Geography
FF56 Geology
FL5C Human Geography
FN56 Human Resource Management
F5L2 International Relations
FM51 Law
FG51 Mathematics
PF35 Media, Communications
and Culture
FF51 Medicinal Chemistry
FWM3 Music Technology
FF58 Physical Geography
FL52 Politics
FC58 Psychology
UCAS Major and foundation
programmes
F510 Astrophysics (Major)
F513 Astrophysics with Science
Foundation Year
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