Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
PHAS5150M Research Skills in Astrophysics
This module is not approved as an Elective
The ability to apply physical understanding and higher-level problem-solving skills is essential for both higher level academic study in applied and experimental sciences and to many professional careers for physicists. This module provides the skills with which students can effectively design and carry out their research projects. In this module, students carry out extended, open-ended studies using techniques commonplace in our research programmes to hone skills in areas such as computing, data handling and analysis, and the ability to survey and critique the current literature on a topic.
This module will give students an increased awareness of the skills required in preparing and conducting research projects. These include: computing skills; data analysis and interpretation; engagement with literature; working as part of a team; and communicating and defending research in a professional context.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Develop advanced research skills, including computing, data analysis and literature skills.
2. Explain and apply a range of experimental, statistical and computational analytical techniques to data.
3. Develop problem solving skills and practical approaches to troubleshooting calculations and simulations and time management, planning and delivering work to deadlines.
Skills Learning Outcomes
a) Deliver presentations including scientific concepts, results and methodologies and answer related questions.
b) Present scientific concepts, results and methodology in extended formal scientific English with illustrations and figures and references to literature sources as necessary.
c) Communicate complex concepts succinctly and coherently, defend results and methodology and answer related questions in one-to-one situations.
Each student undertakes 3 "mini-projects" of 3 weeks from a list of appropriate techniques. The first is focussed on computing skills that will be used in future research projects. The second develops a key skill from a pool of potential projects that reflect the research activity in the School of Physics and Astronomy, with the specific project chosen in the relevant degree discipline. The third allows for an in-depth exploration of the current literature on a specific frontier in the degree discipline.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Practical | 3 | 48 | 144 |
| Private study hours | 148 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 152 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
148 hours of Private Study Time
Regular meetings with mini-project supervisors and demonstrators and discussion of interim results.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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