Module manager: Prof. Samantha Pugh
Email: S.L.Pugh@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
'A' Level Physics or Chemistry or equivalent
| PHAS3600 | Physics in Schools |
PHYS3610
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module brings together Science and Entrepreneurship. Students work in a team to develop and build a business plan around an idea for an enterprise based on current scientific research that can help to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (https://sdgs.un.org/goals) culminating in a presentation to an "investment panel". The module will help students to further develop their team-working, project and time management, commercial awareness and self reflection, while providing a valuable insight into the commercial side of science.
Students will be introduced to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and have the opportunity to explore how current research in science can help to address them.
The module will lead students, working in a team-based environment, through the various stages of setting up a new enterprise, from the inception and development of the idea itself, through preparation of a business plan and pitch to potential investors.
1. Use their knowledge of science to develop a business proposal based on current research that addresses one or more of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals;
2. Construct a comprehensive business plan for this business start-up;
3. Make a group presentation/pitch to potential funders;
4. Work as a team to successfully deliver the project to a deadline
5. Evaluate own contribution to a team
Skills Learning Outcomes
a) Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to enterprise
- Introduction to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Examples of existing science start ups (drawing on Nexus connections)
- Generating ideas – patents, research papers, journal articles
- Technical feasibility
- Market evaluation
- Financial planning and forecasting
- Production of a business plan for a new enterprise
- Preparation of funding proposal and presentation to investors
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group learning | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Lecture | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Seminar | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Private study hours | 118 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 82 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Private Study is 118 hours.
- Formative group presentation at the end of semester 1
- Regular check ins with each group to support progress with the project
- Use of MS Teams for monitoring group activity
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