Module manager: Jurgen Neuberg
Email: J.Neuberg@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere provides the fundamental physics needed to study solid Earth and atmospheric processes in a mathematical, numerical and analytical way, using examples from the fields of Earth and atmospheric science to explain why this fundamental understanding and skill is needed to solve real-world problems.
- To learn about fundamental physical concepts and their application in geophysical analysis and to develop quantitative problem-solving skills.
- To understand how the principles of physics are used to study physical properties and processes of the solid Earth and its atmosphere.
- To have an overview of geophysics as the basis for further work, to be able to make basic analyses of data from commonly used geophysical surveys, and to be accustomed to approaching and solving problems by integrating different geophysical disciplines.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSLO1: Explain the definition of terms associated with physics theory and observations;
SSLO2: Describe the physical principles underlying a range of geophysical techniques;
SSLO3: Use fundamental geophysical principles to perform simple analysis and interpretation of illustrative data;
SSLO4: Solve quantitative problems relating to geophysical investigation of the solid Earth and atmosphere;
SSLO5: Integrate multiple approaches across various geophysical disciplines to investigate real-world case studies.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Present information in written form (work ready, academic skills);
SKLO2: Present information verbally (work ready, academic skills);
SKLO3: Appreciate the benefits of collaborating with colleagues towards a common goal of developing understanding of a topic, solving problems and experiencing a range of perspectives (academic, work ready, sustainability skills).
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 60 | 1 | 60 |
| Practical | 20 | 3 | 60 |
| Seminar | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Private study hours | 277 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 123 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Weekly practical sessions provide a mixture of peer-learning and staff-led opportunities to build familiarity with material. Weekly formative quizzes available to test understanding with immediate feedback. These lead directly to the assessment of quantitative problem-solving in the 3 summative in-class tests.
One tutorial session will be dedicated to discussion of the group project providing a checkpoint on progress and feedback in advance of the final assessments (presentation and report). Feedback from the group presentation will be provided in advance of the written report, allowing individuals to fill gaps, explore concepts more deeply, and respond to the feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 60 |
| Coursework | Group work / Oral assessment | 10 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Students may resit any failed components of the assessment. In-class tests will be reassessed by a time-limited assessment. The group presentation will be reassessed individually with an electronic presentation with recorded voice-over. The individual report will be the same but on a different specific topic.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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