Module manager: Dr Gavin Burnell
Email: G.Burnell@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Level 2 Physics
| PHAS2000 | 2nd year Physics Assessment |
| PHAS2200 | Astrophysics and Experimental Skills |
| PHAS3000 | Project |
| PHAS3010 | Advanced Techniques in Experimental Physics |
| PHAS3030 | Advanced Techniques in Theoretical Physics |
PHYS3002
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The ability to apply physical understanding and higher level problem solving skills to the processes in designing and carrying out experimental studies is essential for both higher level academic study in applied and experimental sciences and to many professional careers for astrophysicists. This module forms the bridge between the first and second year laboratory physics and astrophysics courses and the research focussed, open-ended projects of the 4th year Astrophysics programmes. In this module, students carry out extended, open-ended studies using techniques common place in the Astrophysics research group research programmes to hone skills in data handling and analysis. An optional opportunity for observational fieldwork will be provided where feasible.
This module will give students an increased awareness of skills required in preparing, conducting, analysing and interpreting a wide range of advanced astronomical observational techniques and data sets through the use of appropriate measurement, data analysis and statistical approaches, work as part of a team, and to communicate and defend their work in a variety of professional contexts.
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. Perform or evaluate advanced astrophysical experiments using high-tech experimental and analytical techniques.
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.
4. Work as part of a team to carry out a feasibility study on a new product related to Physics.
Skills Learning Outcomes
a) Communicate complex concepts succinctly and coherently, defend results and methodology and answer related questions in one-to-one situations.
b) Work as part of a team to carry out a feasibility study on a new product.
c) Present their findings as a team and individually in a way that is appropriate for an expert audience and answer related questions.
d) Present scientific concepts, results and methodology in extended formal scientific English with illustrations and figures and references to literature sources as necessary.
Each student undertakes 3 "mini-projects" of 3 weeks from a list of techniques appropriate to astrophysics. When available, students may choose to substitute one mini-project studied during semester time with an approved fieldwork experiment normally taken prior to semester 1.
The list of potential projects reflects the research activity in the Astrophysics Research Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy, a typical list would include the following: Nebular Spectroscopy, Stellar Clusters, Radio Interferometry.
Students will also carry out a mini- project working as a team to develop a new product, taking it through to launch at a final “pitch to the board” presentation. This project will help students to develop a wide range of skills such as teamwork, project management, time management information searching and also develops their commercial awareness. Students will also reflect upon and evaluate their own contribution to a team project.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team Work | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Lecture | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Practical | 3 | 48 | 144 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 214 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 186 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
214 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: 15/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team