Module manager: Satoshi Sasaki
Email: S.Sasaki@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Pass in first year physics
| PHAS2000 | 2nd year Physics Assessment |
| PHAS2010 | Quantum Mechanics |
| PHAS2020 | Statistical Mechanics and Computation |
| PHAS2030 | Condensed Matter Physics |
| PHAS2040 | Electromagnetism |
| PHAS2100 | Experimental Physics and Extended Investigation |
| PHAS2200 | Astrophysics Experimental Skills |
PHYS2001 Experimental Physics
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module further develops key laboratory and research skills. Experiments will be conducted in core physics to develop skills in laboratory work, and the appropriate recording, analysis and presentation of results. The module also offers the opportunity to study additional topics outside of core Physics.
This module further develops key laboratory and research skills. This includes understanding the appropriate use of experimental and measuring equipment, being able to draw conclusions from results obtained as well as understand the accuracy of those results to critically analyse the obtained data, as well as presenting those results in an appropriate fashion for different audiences. A group project will build skills in working on Physics experiments as part of a team.
Background lectures in the following areas will help to support the experimental work.
1. Uncertainty, both statistical and systematic, and how to interpret these. Simple covariance analysis and correlated errors.
2. Application of LCR circuits to cables and cable impedance, also twisted pair, multi-axial and screened cables.
3. Digitisation, sampling, Nyquist-Shannon theorem, stroboscopic measurements, pump-probe and ac-detection circuits
4. Noise sources and interference
5. Using appropriate resources to present work, and compare that work with existing literature.
6. Any other relevant background physics as required.
The module also provides the opportunity to study one of the lecture strands from PHAS2200, providing requisite skills to allow study of level 3 astrophysics courses.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Ability to plan, execute and analyse critically the results of laboratory experiments in core physics, processing software, demonstrating good experimental practice and time management, quality of record keeping with systematic and reliable recording of procedures and data, and evaluating the level of uncertainty in results.
2. Design and analyse transistor biasing circuits, amplifiers and filters for signal conditioning, and simple oscillator circuits.
3. Write experimental risk assessments.
4. Further develop understanding of using appropriate computer-based data visualisation to present results, in a style consistent with published scientific papers in the field.
5. Work collectively at a higher level on a group experimental task.
6. Develop understanding of set lecture topic in astrophysics.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
a. Expertise at using laboratory equipment and any appropriate analysis tools.
b. Understanding of errors, including their source and their combination in critically analysing statistical significance of final results.
c. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines.
d. The ability to work within a group as appropriate to experimental physics.
e. The ability to present work in a variety of formats (e.g. reports, talks, posters), using appropriate methods for Physics with illustrations, figures and references, communicating complex scientific concepts succinctly and coherently, and answer related questions in appropriate situations.
f. The ability to demonstrate competence in astrophysics understanding.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 38 | 1 | 38 |
| Practical | 16 | 6 | 96 |
| Independent online learning hours | 18 | ||
| Private study hours | 248 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 134 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Formative feedback:
- Demonstrators in lab
- Laboratory book of experiments/assignments will be given nominal pass+/pass/fail mark on completion of each experiment
workshop session for lectured material.
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team