PHY3049 : Experimental Physics for Industrial Applications
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Mr Harrison Rogers
- Lecturer: Dr Paul Branch, Dr Toby Hallam, Dr Leo Tsui
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module is to develop an understanding of how experimental physics methods are used in modern industrial settings. The course will help the students to contextualise concepts studied during previous during previous modules in terms of their relevance in modern technologies and industrial applications.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will cover a number of techniques selected from but not limited to:
1. Vacuum Science
2. X-ray spectroscopic methods: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)
3. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
4. Electron Microscopy techniques: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)
5. Clean room methods and device fabrication
6. Photonic methods
7. X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
8. Deposition techniques
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 35 | 1:00 | 35:00 | Completion of in course assignment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Formal lectures, tutorials and practical session |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 45 | 1:00 | 45:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking.
Lectures are used to explain the theory behind the experimental physics methods presented in the module, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. The practical session is designed to gain a hands-on understanding of the lectures’ materials and to guide the student to understand the complementarity and synergy between different techniques. The tutorials are designed to help the student develop transferable skills, particular in terms of written communication, and further their knowledge in the field of their choice.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 55 | Extended writing or report. |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 15 | Written exercises assessment |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 15 | Written exercises assessment |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 15 | Written exercises assessment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The report will enable the students to further develop their understanding of experimental physics methods in modern industrial environments, while gaining additional insights on the application of their studies in our society and economy. Due for completion in the second half of the semester.
The three assignments are small pieces of coursework so that the students can engage with different aspects of technical writing to improve their competency. These assignments will incorporate the use of AI to build the critical thinking and responsibility students will need in their future workplace.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY3049's Timetable