BSc (Hons) Chemistry and Mathematics

Astrophysics is active wherever the laws of physics are being tested to the limit – and beyond. Keele will help you to use astronomical observations, mathematical models, and computer simulation 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). You will learn to use maths to develop precise and logical arguments, construct rigorous proofs, and formulate solutions to new problems. You will study in an intellectually stimulating environment amongst mathematicians producing world-leading research. 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
• Calculus
• Algebra

Year 2

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Quantum Mechanics
• Optics and Thermodynamics
• Stellar Astrophysics
• Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics
• Differential Equations

OPTIONAL MODULES

• Probability
• Computational Mathematics
• Exploring Algebra and Analysis
• Complex Variable I and Vector Calculus
• Dynamics
• Abstract Algebra
• Linear Statistical Models
• Analysis II
• Professional Mathematics and Data Science

Year 3

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Electromagnetism
• Astrophysics Group Project and Science Communication – ISP

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
• Graph Theory
• Non-linear Differential Equations
• Partial Differential Equations
• Group Theory
• Number Theory and Cryptography
• Financial Mathematics
• Project II – ISP
• Fluid Mechanics
• Complex Variable II
• Waves
• Medical Statistics
• Mathematical Biology
• Introduction to Mathematics Teaching
• Linear Algebra and Rings
• Introduction to Linear Elasticity
• Mathematical Modelling

Employability

Through the combined honors degree in mathematics, it helps you to take novel approaches to problem solving and make critical interpretations of data and text; your skills will be in demand wherever there’s a need for logical thinking. An extremely wide range of career paths is open to mathematicians, where high levels of mathematical ability are desirable. This can include fields of work as diverse as finance, data analytics, teaching, engineering, medical statistics, and management consultancy.

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

• Geophysicist
• Research Scientist
• Science Teacher
• HE Lecturer
• Medical Physicist
• Operational Researcher
• Software Engineer
• Radiation Practitioner
• Aeronautical Engineer
• Operational Researcher
• Actuary
• Statistician
• Secondary Teacher