At the moment I am now just coming to the end of my first semester in Cardiff studying Astrophysics. The course is split into certain core modules including classical physics (which you must do in the first semester) this is basically more a-level physics then anything else, theoretical physics ... Read review
Advantages: Very good interesting course and you will meet a lot of like minded people Disadvantages: Lots and lots of work!
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Wherever you go to do Astrophysics be prepared to work because it is very work intensive even in the first year when everyone else is supposedly taking it easy. However it is very rewarding and interesting especially if it is a course you want to do.
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At the moment I am now just coming to the end of my first semester in Cardiff studying Astrophysics. The course is split into certain core modules including classical physics (which you must do in the first semester) this is basically more a-level physics then anything else, theoretical physics which is a-level maths although it does branch quickly into higher level of maths building on the foundations of a-level, computer and cosmos. The cosmos lecture is the only astronomy based module that is done in the first semester and it is great as an introduction to some of the basic ideas in astronomy all the way through to the cutting edge. The lecturers are all very friendly and it’s a great environment to study in (look out for the tea and coffee in the lab sessions!)
Wherever you go to do Astrophysics be prepared to work because it is very work intensive even in the first year when everyone else is supposedly taking it easy. However it is very rewarding and interesting especially if it is a course you want to do.
Advantages: Choice of courses, campus in summer Disadvantages: Eeek, mud
First of all let me set out my qualifications to comment: 2:1 BSc(hons) in Astrophysics and Human Resource Management. Yes, yes, I know its funny. The structure of their undergraduate courses is 'dual degree'. This means that you do two half degrees in your choice of subjects (timetable permitting). Be aware that if you are going to choose a science it will be more than half a degree so that you are not completely outclassed by single honours graduates when you come to apply for science jobs. There is also a requirement to complete a couple of first year modules in a subject that is completely different to your own. Most people don't enjoy this part.
Keele campus is nice without being ground-breaking. Its muddy in the winter and absolutely gorgeous in the summer. The campus was originally a stately home's estate and although most ...
drummingbunny 11.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Keele University
Advantages: Support from staff, friendly, approachable, best coffee machine on campus Disadvantages: Workload
The department of Physics and Astrophysics at Keele is a really nice department. It contains nice people (mainly) and they run scary modules with names that will impress your friends and scare your sanity.
Undergrads doing a dual honours degree which includes Physics or Astrophysics will start with an almost common first year (i.e. same for Physics and Astro) with the option to switch between courses before the second year. CHOOSE ASTRO! Physics is dull, Astrphysics is Physics with interesting bits inserted. The only disdavntage to choosing Astro over Physics is that you'll miss out on the electronics modules. Personally I didn't miss them one jot.
Wherever you do Physics it is going to be hard work. Your flat-mate who's studying the history of Belgian pornography will have more spare time, but you'll get a better job, although now ...
drummingbunny 14.06.2001 (25.07.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Physics
Advantages: The best course in the country Disadvantages: You won't want to leave!
mind that most PhD placements will go to sandwich students, this university offers one of the best selections of placements in the country. Students from my year spent their placements at Tuscon, Hawaii, La Palma and Austria among others, and I know they would not have missed it for the world.
The final year consists of 75% taught course and 25% project. Although there are guidelines for projects, you can do it on anything related to the course. This is a great opportunity to develop other skills, ranging from telescope observing and pure astronomy, to website design and computer programming with a whole host of other options in between. the taught courses build on the astronomy already learned and introduces some up to the minute astrophysics.
Most students go on to further study...and most don't want to leave the University to do ...
linda45 20.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Astronomy
