Module manager: Prof. Gavin Burnell
Email: g.burnell@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Level 2 Physics or equivalent
| PHAS3010 | Advanced Techniques in Experimental Physics |
| PHAS3020 | Advanced Techniques in Astrophysics |
| PHAS3030 | Advanced Techniques in Theoretical Physics |
PHYS3004
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 physicists. In this module, students carry out extended, open-ended studies using techniques common place in the experimental research programmes of the School of Physics to hone skills in experimentation, data handling and analysis.
This module will give students an increased awareness of skills required in preparing, conducting, analysing and interpreting of a wide range of advanced experimental physics 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 be able to:
1. Perform or evaluate advanced physics 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.
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 2 "mini-projects" of 3 weeks from a list of appropriate techniques to experimental physics.
The list of potential projects reflects the research activity in the School of Physics and Astronomy, a typical list would include techniques in electrical transport measurements, low temperature measurements, laser-based spectroscopy measurements, thermal and mechanical property determination, surface probe microscopy techniques.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Practical | 2 | 48 | 96 |
| Private study hours | 96 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 104 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Private Study Time is 96 hours.
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