BSc (Hons) Astrophysics and Medicinal Chemistry

Astrophysics is active wherever the laws of physics are being tested to the limit – and beyond. Keele will help you use astronomical observations, mathematical models, and computer simulations to develop theories explaining some of the most complex phenomena. You’ll develop your mathematics and computing skills, and apply them to solving a range of problems in the laboratory and beyond (you’ll have access to Keele’s own on-site observatory). Medicinal Chemistry prepares you to help solve problems at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology. The goal of medicinal chemistry is to support the search for new drugs to treat heart disease and cancer conditions. This combined course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Year 1

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Mechanics, Gravity, and Relativity
• Nature of matter
• Oscillations and Waves
• Electricity and Stellar Structure
• Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills
• Chemical Structure and Reactivity

Year 2

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Quantum Mechanics
• Optics and Thermodynamics
• Stellar Astrophysics
• Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics
• Molecular Chemistry and Reactions
• Spectroscopy and Analysis (Combined Honours)
• Principles of Drug Design

Year 3

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Electromagnetism
• Astrophysics Group Project and Science Communication – ISP
• Mechanisms of Drug Action
• Topics in Medicinal Chemistry

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Binary Stars and Extrasolar Planets
• Data Analysis and Model Testing
• Particle Physics and Accelerators
• Cosmology
• Life in the Universe
• Quantum Mechanics II
• General Relativity, Black Holes, and Gravitational Waves
• Chemical Kinetics, Photochemistry, and Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Research Project
• Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Dissertation

Employability

An astrophysics degree from Keele will prepare you for many different careers, which need not be directly related to astrophysics. You could take up all sorts of roles in industry, management, and public services, including teaching, health, and finance. Many employers recognize that the versatility and flexibility of astrophysics mean that graduates possess a wide range of very valuable skills, from independent and critical thinking to the solving of sophisticated problems.

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:

• Research Scientist
• Geophysicist
• Science Teacher
• HE Lecturer
• Medical Physicist
• Operational Researcher
• Software Engineer
• Radiation Practitioner
• Science Writer
• Technical Author
• Chartered Accountant
• Patent Attorney
• IT Consultant
• Air Traffic Controller