Compulsory modules

Gravitation, Relativity and Matter 
A fundamental understanding of physical principles follows from investigating the composition and movement of matter through space and time. You will find out how the universe is put together, from the very big to the very small, exploring motions on scales from atoms and molecules to stars and planets, and encounter the boundaries of classical Newtonian physics with an introduction to quantum ideas and Einstein’s Special Relativity

Electricity, Magnetism and Waves 
Electricity, magnetism and wave-like phenomena are foundational topics in the study of physics. Beginning with fundamental physical laws you will learn how to describe ideal cases and then apply your knowledge to diverse real-world devices, scenarios and engineering problems that involve electric charges, magnetic fields and oscillating systems, culminating in the analysis of alternating currents, resonance and the essential properties of waves in light, sound and other media. 

Fundamental and Applied Mathematics for Physics 
A physicist often needs to solve real-world problems presented in many different ways, using mathematics as the language to describe physical phenomena. Here you will learn the art of problem-solving, including mathematical and statistical modelling and the analyses of uncertainty and risk, applying these skills to scenarios focused on linear and rotational mechanics, gravitation and harmonic motion. Regularly working in groups, you will gain valuable employability skills such as teamwork and communication, whilst learning from others and building peer networks. 

Practical and Academic Skills for Physics 
A professional physicist requires a range of specialist skills, which you will start developing in this module. You will acquire hands-on practice in conducting a variety of physical experiments, effectively and accurately recording and analysing your data using specialist software. You will develop the art of scientific writing and reporting, and practise the principles of the scientific method, including error analysis, risk assessment and critical thinking. These skills are the foundations of a successful physics or astrophysics graduate. 

Scientific Programming 
Scientific programming is a key skill in fast-evolving science fields like Physics and Astrophysics. In this module you will learn the basics of computer programming with python, including flow control, defining functions, the use of external libraries and the generation of graphs and images. You will demonstrate how these highly-valued programming skills can be used to solve a series of computational problems faced by physicists and astrophysicists, and equip yourself for future study and careers. 

Limits, Series and Calculus
This module aims at deepening your understanding and appreciation of the origins of the essential techniques of elementary calculus, explaining why these methods work. Starting with developing important preliminary ideas such as the real numbers, functions, sequences and series, on a more formal basis this leads to a fundamental concept of a limit, serving as a basis for further advances in differential and integral calculus. 

Differential Equations and Multivariable Calculus 
Many real-world problems are governed by differential equations, the solution of which can help us understand their properties. For instance, oscillation of a pendulum, and the population evolution of a fish species, can all be described by ordinary differential equations. This module, being a prerequisite for several modules in the second and third years, will introduce you to the basic techniques for solving differential equations and familiarize you with multivariable calculus, including partial derivatives, double integrals, and their applications. 

Physics Career Planning and Employability Skills 
Your university study may be driven by curiosity about the physical world, but it is also about developing graduate attributes that lead to successful and fulfilling careers. The activities and milestones in our career planning modules will grow your potential beyond Physics knowledge. In Level 4, you will learn to identify, evidence and showcase your collaborative, organisational, presentational and problem-solving skills. You will acquire tools to effectively select and prepare for potential work placements in Levels 5 and 6. 

Compulsory modules

Optics and Thermodynamics 
The way light and matter interact happens on minute scales but results in macroscopic effects that can be described by global behavioural laws. In this module, you will learn about optics and thermodynamics, including how light waves interfere and diffract and how systems achieve equilibrium. These fundamental concepts underpin a vast range of phenomena beyond the topics of this module, and have a variety of real-word applications, from engines and the weather to optical fibers and the most powerful telescopes. 

The Quantum World 
Quantum mechanics is the foundation of technologies that have built the modern world and gives us the tools to study nature at its most fundamental, microscopic level. This module will introduce you to the weirdness of quantum theory, quantum statistics and atomic physics, equipping you for more advanced topics to come. You will investigate applications ranging from scanning tunneling electron microscopes and superconductors to white dwarfs and nuclear fusion in stellar astrophysics. 

Nuclear Physics 
Nuclear physics is a key component in decarbonising our energy generation and is literally at the heart of stellar astrophysics. You will extend the ideas developed in quantum and atomic physics to understand the components and composition of atomic nuclei, nuclear stability, fusion, fission and radioactive decay. You will then apply those concepts to the generation of nuclear power, both here on Earth and at the centres of the Sun and other stars. 

Practical and Professional Skills for Physics 
You will build upon the practical laboratory skills developed at level 4, extending your abilities to plan, execute and communicate scientifically. You will compile a comprehensive portfolio of the essential skills required by professional physicists by using more advanced recording, analysis and interpretation of measurements, and presentation of results. You will work on individual experiments and team investigations to prepare you for level 6 research projects and to confidently and safely work in any physics laboratory.

Analytical and Numerical Techniques 
Real-world physical problems often require a blend of physics know-how, mathematical analysis and computational techniques for their solution. Building on your Level 4 foundations, you will gain important new applied mathematical skills and practise more advanced programming and numerical techniques. You will use these to formulate solutions to a wide variety of problems in physics and astrophysics and to plan and execute a short project on a (astro)physical topic that interests you. 

Linear Differential Equations
Differential equations are used as mathematical models describing various processes in the real world. This helps us investigate problems related to population dynamics, heat dissipation in objects, vibrations of engineering structures and wave propagation, among many others. Some situations require more than one differential equation to be solved at once, e.g., modelling dynamics of two populations (e.g., foxes and rabbits). Within this module we will study a variety of methods for solving differential equations.  

Complex Variable and Vector Calculus
 This module provides a first course in both vector calculus and complex variable. Vector calculus studies vector functions of one or more real variables and its techniques and results are essential tools in many areas of applied mathematics, such as fluid mechanics. Complex variable studies functions which map complex numbers to complex numbers. In this module, it leads to elegant results in integration which can often be used to evaluate definite integrals of real-valued functions, without any knowledge of the indefinite integral.  

Physics Career Planning and Employability Skills 
Your university study may be driven by curiosity about the physical world, but it is also about developing graduate attributes that lead to successful and fulfilling careers. The activities and milestones in our career planning modules will grow your potential beyond Physics knowledge. In Level 5, the emphasis is on careers research, building your CV, auditing your skills and placement opportunities.

Optional modules

Radiation Physics 
From medical diagnostics to industrial quality control, ionising radiation is used across an array of sectors. You will find out how radiation interacts with our world, and how it is detected, quantified and utilized in the NHS, nuclear industry and beyond. You will gain an appreciation of the wider effects of radiation on both humans and the natural environment through critical analyses of historical events, ensuring an understanding of how to employ this principal energy source both effectively and safely.

Probability 
Probability is the mathematics of uncertainty and randomness. We will begin with classical notions of probability associated with the analysis of games of chance using cards, dice, etc., then moving to treatment of probability of random events. This will lead us to the definitions of statistical independence and conditional probability. Then, we will focus on systematic study of discrete and continuous, univariate and bivariate, random variables, covering expectation, variance, covariance. Applications to a wide range of theoretical and real-world problems will also be discussed. 

Dynamics 
This module demonstrates the successful application of mathematics in the modelling of various physical systems, within the context of Newtonian dynamics. The topics investigated include not just projectiles and simple harmonic motion, but also more advanced laws of planetary motion, problems involving variable mass, such as, for example, rocket motion. 

Flexible Work Placement (Level 5)
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement around existing demands.

Compulsory modules

Physics Research Project and Professional Development
The research project provides the opportunity for you to pursue a self-directed, independent investigation of an experimental, computational or theoretical nature. With the guidance of a supervisor, you will plan, execute and report your results, including a presentation aimed at potential employers. You will exploit and expand upon the skills portfolio built up in Level 4 and 5 of your degree to establish yourself as a physicist with all the necessary investigative and professional attributes.   

Electromagnetism and Solid-State Physics
From mobile communications to the generation and detection of light from distant quasars, much of our universe is understood in terms of the fundamental topics of electromagnetism and solid-state physics. You will learn how Maxwell unified electricity and magnetism, how electromagnetic waves are generated, how we understand the (semi-)conduction and magnetic properties of solids at a microscopic level, and apply this knowledge to modern technology, solving divers problems spanning anything from lasers to superconductors or radio pulsars. 

Synoptic Physics and Real-World Applications
In a complex, increasingly irrational world, physicists have a key role in synthesising scientific thought across disciplines. Working in groups on a problem of current or potential future concern, you will gather and analyse evidence, propose solutions and provide advice in the form of a report aimed at policy-makers.  You will develop advanced teamworking and project-management skills and use the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the connections between the physics, mathematical and computational techniques acquired throughout your degree.

Physics Career Planning and Employability Skills
Your university study may be driven by curiosity about the physical world, but it is also about developing graduate attributes that lead to successful and fulfilling careers. The activities and milestones in our career planning modules will grow your potential beyond Physics knowledge.  In level 6 we will help you make the most of all you have learned on your Keele journey, for instance how to present your work to wider audiences, craft your CV, prepare for interviews and get your feet on the first rungs of the career ladder, whether that be in research, industry or elsewhere.

Optional modules

Data Analysis and Modelling 
Physics and Astrophysics are data-intensive sciences. Using hands-on exercises, you will gain proficiency in using "industry-standard" statistical and modelling techniques for analysing scientific data. Along with an appreciation of the theory underpinning these techniques, you will develop the highly transferable skills required to apply them to real data sets and gain the expertise required to judge which techniques are applicable in any given scenario, and to interpret and present the results. 

Advanced Topics Semester 1 
Based on student preference, advanced topics are offered from a range of options such as (but not limited to) Particle Physics and Accelerators, Atmospheric Physics or Binary Stars and Exoplanets. Informed by world-class research (and researchers) and cutting-edge applications, you will gain a unique insight and appreciation of forefront fields in physics and astrophysics. Through innovative and authentic assignments, you will enhance your skill set, including data analysis, mathematical modelling and critical reading of research literature. 

Advanced Topics Semester 2
Based on student preference, advanced topics are offered from a range of options such as (but not limited to) General Relativity, Black Holes and Gravitational Waves, Life in the Universe or Fluid Mechanics. Informed by world-class research (and researchers) and cutting-edge applications, you will gain a unique insight and appreciation of forefront fields in physics and astrophysics. Through innovative and authentic assignments, you will enhance your skill set, including data analysis, mathematical modelling and critical reading of research literature.   

Research and Communication 
Are you passionate about a Physics, Astrophysics, or Renewable Energy topic and want to learn more? With the support of a tutor, you will select a topic you are interested in and undertake a literature review of its recent advances, challenges, and prospects. Through varied assessment types, you will be able to showcase your different skills. This is an opportunity to enhance your scientific communication abilities as well as your research and critical analysis skills. 

Quantum Physics 
This advanced quantum module builds on the topics introduced at Level 5 to investigate exciting applications of quantum mechanics at the cutting-edge of modern physics such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography. You will also explore the quantum mechanics behind powerful investigative techniques used in laboratories and in astrophysics such as Raman spectroscopy and look in detail at experiments in quantum physics that challenge our common-sense understanding of the nature of reality. 

Partial Differential Equations 
A large variety of physical phenomena, e.g. wave propagation, heat conduction, traffic flows, and even the price evolution of the stock market, are governed by partial differential equations (PDEs). This module introduces the basics of PDEs and equips you with some fundamental analytical skills (e.g. the methods of separation of variables and Fourier transform/series).  This module would be useful if you intended to do a Master’s or PhD degree in financial mathematics or continuum mechanics. 

Nonlinear Differential Equations
Systems evolving in time are often modelled by differential equations, with numerous applications including climate change, stock markets, population dynamics, mechanical systems, etc. We will study nonlinear differential equations, for which very few exact solutions are known, hence, introducing qualitative methods for describing various types of behaviour. In particular, we will focus on geometrical representations of dynamics and systematic approximation techniques. The consideration will then progress to dynamics of maps, setting the path for studying multiple periods and chaos.

Fluid Mechanics
Fluid mechanics describes the mathematical theory of the flow of liquids and gasses, and thus underpins the dynamics of the atmosphere and oceans, hence weather and climate prediction, but also how an aeroplane flies, the forces acting on a wind-turbine, flow of blood around the body, and many other applications. This course introduces you to the equations of fluid motion and techniques for solving these equations.

Waves 
The module will provide you with knowledge of mathematical techniques for modelling wave propagation which are typically accompanied by physical interpretations. The exposed mathematical theory is illustrated by the discussion of real-world applications, including the waves arising in musical instruments, such as violins, drums, and flutes. The module also involves small demonstrations and computer-generated animations. The main topics covered in the module include the mathematical background of wave phenomena, elastic waves on stretched strings, membranes and beams, sound waves, and waves in liquids.

Flexible Work Placement (Level 6) 
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement around existing demands.

Professional Experience in Education 
This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools and colleges. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own placement or apply to university sourced roles.