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 |
| PHAS3000 | Project |
| PHAS3010 | Advanced Techniques in Experimental Physics |
| PHAS3020 | Advanced Techniques in Astrophysics |
PHYS3003
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 theoretical and computational studies is essential for both higher level academic study in theoretical and computational sciences and to many professional careers for physicists. This module forms the bridge between the first and second year modules developing problem solving and and communications skills in the theoretical physics courses and the research focuses, open-ended projects of the 4th year Theoretical Physics programmes. In this module, students carry out extended, open ended studies using techniques commonly used by the School theoretical physics academics each programmes to hone skills in these areas.
This module will give students an increased awareness of skills required in preparing, conducting, analysing and interpreting of a wide range of advanced theoretical and computational physics techniques through the use of appropriate mathematical, 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 theoretical and computational physics techniques and calculations.
2. Explain and apply a range of theoretical, statistical and computational analytical techniques to model systems.
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) Present their findings as a team and individually in a way that is appropriate for an expert audience and answer related questions.
c) 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 theoretical and computational physics.
The list of potential projects reflects the research activity in the Theoretical Physics Research Group and other academics in closely related areas within the School of Physics and Astronomy.
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.
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