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PHY-10039 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

PHY-10039 - Physics and the Art of Measurement
Coordinator: Nilanthy Balakrishnan Room: LJ2.10 Tel: +44 1782 7 33045
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

From smartphones to spacecraft, our modern world is full of sensors measuring, responding and optimising everything from industrial machines to scientific experiments. In this module you will explore the physics behind various electrical, optical and mechanical instruments, learning how they are built and used, and gaining valuable practical skills through experimentation. It will equip you with a fundamental understanding of the underlying principles, the characteristics and the applications of various devices, tools and techniques used in physics.

Aims
This module is designed to establish the core principles and features of instrumentation, equipping students with the skills to select or create suitable instruments for various applications. Additionally, it aims to enhance understanding of the scientific method and research best practices, including scientific argumentation, critical thinking and reflection, and research ethics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe and explain the fundamental methods of measuring various parameters important in Physics: 1
choose the appropriate measurement technique for various systems: 1,2
perform basic measurements and apply a calibration to the data in order to measure the intended physical parameter: 1,2
communicate the process and results of practical work to a variety of audiences: 2,3
critically evaluate arguments and results presented by themselves and by others, in order to assess their accuracy and reliability: 3

Study hours

Active learning hours
Lectures/Tutorials: 72 hours;
Laboratory: 24 hours;
Independent study hours
Completion of assignments: 36 hours;
Exam: 2.5 hours;
Lab portfolio: 50 hours;
Self Study: 115.5 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 50%
Unseen written examination
A 2.5-hour exam worth 100 marks consisting of short questions with no degree of choice.

2: Portfolio weighted 30%
Reflective portfolio of practical activities
Continuous assessment of the practical work carried out, including a critical reflection on the different types of activities. Equivalent to approximately 3000 words with a single formal submission date at the end of semester 2.

3: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
Problem-solving work sheets and activities
Assessed sheets meant to test different skills in the module and including in-class exercises; equivalent to ~2000 words

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025