Studying a combined honours in astrophysics and mathematics will provide you with a breadth of knowledge and a wide range of skills across two fascinating and deeply interconnected subject areas.
In astrophysics you will apply physics to understanding how the universe works and potentially 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.
Mathematics can be related to almost every aspect of the world we live in and the universe beyond. Mathematics is the language we use to describe the various physical concepts you will encounter.
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, waves. You will also focus on areas like the basics of stellar structure and stellar astrophysics. Later in your degree you will study electromagnetism at a deeper level, and have the option of studying cosmology, binary stellar systems and exoplanets, black holes and gravitational waves in different modules.
The mathematics modules on the programme will carefully explore the core areas of mathematics, including calculus, algebra, probability and analysis. We will train you to think logically, construct rigorous proofs, introduce useful mathematical structures and think in abstract terms.
As you advance through the course you will explore pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics. To help develop the skills employers are looking for, you will also learn the programming language Python and understand how mathematics is used in a professional environment. You will also be able to choose to apply your mathematical skills, problem solving prowess and logical thinking to fascinating advanced topics like fluid mechanics, mathematical biology, cryptography and financial mathematics.
You will also have the opportunity to align your Astrophysics and Mathematics BSc to your career aspirations and interests by choosing from a variety of optional modules in your final year.