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PHY-20053 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

PHY-20053 - Applied Physics and Emerging Technologies
Coordinator: Nilanthy Balakrishnan Room: LJ2.10 Tel: +44 1782 7 33045
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

You will investigate the underlying concepts of new physics applications in breakthrough scientific areas and emerging industries that may play a significant role in the 21st century. Recent examples include the properties and applications of 2D materials, materials recycling technologies, artificial intelligence for sustainable future. You will practise techniques to acquire and analyse experimental data to derive the concepts related to applied physics and emerging technologies.

Aims
The module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying concepts of new physics applications in breakthrough scientific areas and emerging industries that may play a significant role in the 21st century. For example, the properties and applications of 2D materials, materials recycling technologies, and artificial intelligence for a sustainable future. To develop transferable, problem-solving, teamwork, and analytical skills that are required by the practising physicist.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe the significance of, and the physics behind, several topics of contemporary interest in applied physics: 1,3
Solve problems, perform calculations and make approximations using appropriate mathematical and computational tools: 1,3
Execute and reflect on laboratory work within the context of applied physics and emerging technologies: 2
Present explanations and analysis in a professional and scientific manner: 2,3

Study hours

Active Learning:
- 72 hours of class room activities
- 24 hours of laboratory work
Independent Study:
- 48 hours work on exercises
- 50 hours work on producing laboratory portfolio
- 101 hours self-study
- 2 exams of each 2.5 hour duration

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 60%
Unseen written exam
The exam duration 2 x 2.5 hours. The topics of the module will be tested in separate exams, one at the end of each semester.

2: Portfolio weighted 20%
Laboratory work
Laboratory work comprising data acquisition, measurements and analysis. It includes continuous assessment of activities recorded in the laboratory diaries and an individual report in Semester 2. Equivalent to 2000 words.

3: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
Problem-solving worksheets and in-class activities
A selection of in-class and independent-study tasks and worksheets to be completed at specific times during the academic year, pertaining to the material covered until that point. Equivalent to about 2000 words combined.

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: 16 September 2026