2026/27 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BSc Physics with Artificial Intelligence

Programme overview

Programme code
BS-PHYS/AI
UCAS code
Duration
3 Years
Method of Attendance
Full Time
Programme manager
Prof. Gavin Burnell
Contact address
g.burnell@leeds.ac.uk
Total credits
360
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme
School of Physics and Astronomy
Examination board through which the programme will be considered
Physics and Astronomy
Professional Body Offering Accreditation
Institute of Physics

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

If you are someone who loves uncovering how the world works and you are excited by the possibilities of new technology, studying Physics with Artificial Intelligence at the University of Leeds could be an inspiring next step. This degree allows you to explore the fundamental laws of nature while learning how modern AI techniques can model complex systems, analyse data, and tackle scientific challenges that were once out of reach.

Our Physics programmes emphasise how interconnected the subject is, both in teaching and assessment. In years 1 and 2, through in‑course assessments, you will demonstrate a solid understanding of the material needed to progress each year. End‑of‑year exams and a portfolio of transferable skills will give you the chance to show your full mastery of the subject.

In your first year, you will study core topics in physics and mathematics, including mechanics, astrophysics, thermal physics and thermodynamics, complex numbers and differential equations, waves, vibrations and optics, an introduction to quantum physics, functions and calculus, special relativity, and the physics of solids. Alongside this, every student takes part in the undergraduate laboratory, where you will develop essential practical skills. Coding is a central part of the Physics with AI degree, and you will begin building these skills from your first semester. In semester two, you will take Artificial Intelligence for Scientists, a module introducing the key concepts of AI, its ethical and legal implications, and its applications across scientific disciplines.

Your second year follows a similar structure. You will continue with the core physics material common to all our programmes, again demonstrating threshold understanding through in‑course assessments before completing exams, a transferable‑skills portfolio, and a coding project. Topics include quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, linear algebra and vector calculus, statistical physics, and condensed‑matter physics. You will also take two modules specific to your programme: Foundations of AI: Machine Learning for Scientists, which explores the principles behind machine‑learning algorithms and their use in modern scientific problems, and a dedicated laboratory course designed to bridge your AI and coding skills with experimental work.

The final year of the BSc programme centres on a substantial 40‑credit project, where you will bring together everything you have learned in physics, mathematics, coding, and artificial intelligence to carry out an independent investigation a under the guidance of one of our world‑leading academics You will also study AI deep‑learning methods, building your understanding of neural networks and their applications. At this stage, the full breadth of the programme opens up, allowing you to choose from a wide range of specialist modules offered by the School, as well as selected options from related disciplines.

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS1000First Year Physics Assessment100Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS1010Mechanics, Relativity and Astrophysics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS1020Thermodynamics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS1030Electronics, Solid State and Introduction to Quantum Physics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS1040Vibrations, Waves and Optics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS1050Coding and Experimental Physics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS1700Artificial Intelligence for Scientists10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Optional Modules

Candidates can study up to 10 credits from the following optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS1500Introduction to Nanotechnology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS1510Planets and the Search for Life10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Discovery Modules

Candidates may alternatively study 10 credits of discovery modules.

Year 2

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS20002nd year Physics Assessment80Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS2010Quantum Mechanics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS2020Statistical Mechanics and Computation0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS2030Condensed Matter Physics0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS2040Electromagnetism0Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Year 3

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS3000Project40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 60 credits from the following lists of optional modules:

Candidates can choose to study up to 60 credits from list A:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS3100Star and Planet Formation20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3110Cosmology20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS3200Advanced Optics with Photonics20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3300Quantum Matter20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3310Magnetism and Ferroic Materials20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS3400Advanced Quantum Physics20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3410Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS3420Advanced Mechanics20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3500The Physics of the Molecules of Life20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3510Molecular Simulation with Machine Learning: Theory and Practice20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Candidates can choose to study up to 20 credits from list B:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
PHAS3600Physics in Schools20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS3610Group Innovation Project20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Candidates can choose to study up to 20 credits from list C:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CAPE3331Nuclear Operations20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MEDP3512Magnetic Resonance Imaging10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDP3514Ultrasound Imaging10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MEDP3531Medical X-ray imaging10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDP3532X-ray Computed Tomography10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL3852Philosophy of Modern Physics20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE3151Dynamics of Weather Systems10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3410Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE3535Atmospheric Physics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3610Oceanography in the Earth System10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Last updated: 12/05/2026 16:36:54

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team