Module manager: Dr Rob Purdy
Email: r.purdy@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| PHAS1000 | First Year Physics Assessment |
| PHAS1010 | Mechanics, Relativity and Astrophysics |
| PHAS1020 | Thermodynamics |
| PHAS1030 | Electronics, Solid State and Introduction to Quantum Physics |
| PHAS1040 | Vibrations, Waves and Optics |
| PHAS1050 | Coding and Experimental Physics |
| PHAS1810 | Core Physics 1 (JH) Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Solid Stat |
PHAS1810 for MSE programmes
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the necessary physics and related mathematical concepts for the study of Materials Science. This includes mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum physics and solid-state physics, as well as the mathematical skills required for a full understanding of these topics.
In mechanics, students will learn to understand how to describe motion through physical space, together with the general causes of that motion: forces and energies. Students will also learn about using appropriate co-ordinate systems and learn the synergies between linear and circular motions. Students will develop the mathematical skills to describe mechanical processes, including vectors and calculus.
In Solid State Physics and quantum physics, students will learn about Mechanics of solids, Bohr atom, atomic electron states, elementary bonding, elasticity, Photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, De Broglie relation, Wave-particle duality, Crystal structure and X-ray diffraction
In Thermodynamics and Thermal physics, students will learn how the flow of energy as both heat and work affect how we can change the world around us. You will learn how to model changes in temperature, volume, pressure, and the fundamental theories that determine why these changes occurs. You will also about entropy, enthalpy, free energy, and learn the mathematics involved when using these concepts to predict the behaviour of the Universe we live in
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
In Mechanics
1. Kinematics
2. Dynamics, including gravity and other “types” of force
3. Work done & energy
4. Conserved properties
In Thermodynamics
1. Heat transfer and temperature
2. Kinetic theory and ideal gases
3. Degrees of freedom, heat capacity, equipartition
4. 1st law and thermodynamic processes
5. 2nd law of thermodynamics and entropy
6. Thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell relations
7. Phase equilibria and Clausius-Clapeyron equation
8. 3rd law and absolute zero
In Solid State Physics
1. Molecular bonding and potentials
2. Introductory quantum physics
3. Crystal structure and simple X-ray analysis
4. Material properties including elastic moduli
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines
2. Problem solving
3. Application of appropriate mathematics
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 85 | 1 | 85 |
| Seminar | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 193 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 107 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
193
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team