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PHY-20051 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

PHY-20051 - Analytical and Numerical Techniques
Coordinator: Juliana Maria Abreu Da Silva Morbec Tel: +44 1782 7 33329
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites



Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Real-world physical problems often require a blend of physics know-how, mathematical analysis and computational techniques for their solution. Building on your Level 4 foundations, you will gain important new applied mathematical skills and practise more advanced programming and numerical techniques. You will use these to formulate solutions to a wide variety of problems in physics and astrophysics and to plan and execute a short project on a (astro)physical topic that interests you.

Aims
This module aims to consolidate the ability to use mathematical, numerical and computational tools to solve physical problems and to enhance the numerical and computational literacy required by practicing physicists or astrophysicists.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Use mathematics and computational tools to model physics problems: 1,2
Apply physics knowledge across topic boundaries: 1,2
Plan, execute investigations and analyse data related to physics problems: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning:
24 hours lectures
48 hours exercise classes
Independent study:
4 hours class test (2 hours per class test)
40 working on project     
34 private study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Project weighted 50%
Project
Students will develop a project using Python programming language and numerical techniques to solve specific physics problems. Submission of a report of approximately 2000 words.

2: Class Test weighted 50%
Class tests
Two 2-hour class tests each worth 25%. One each semester. Unseen closed-book tests on analytical content of the module, comprising 3-5 compulsory questions.

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: 17 March 2026