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Physics Education

PGR-RA-137

Expertise of research area
assessment; collaborative learning; employability; Outreach; physical sciences; physics; physics & astronomy; Spaced repetition; Transition to university


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Research in the Physics Education Group investigates ways in which students learn physics and develop as physicists in the 21st century. Results of this research allow developments in curriculum, delivery and assessment to enhance the student experience. The Physics Education Research Group is an integral part of the School of Physics and Astronomy at Leeds.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>Our research in <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics-research-groups/doc/physics-education">Physics Education</a> encompasses the &lsquo;life-cycle&rsquo; of the student experience. Starting with outreach to inspire and engage students in university physics, we study how students learn and come to understand the concepts of physics. We investigate different revision strategies and methods of assessment, and in looking at ways that students engage with employability, this comes full circle to empower students to reach out and take the next step in their physics career.</p> <p>Our specific interests are focused around:</p> <ul> <li>transition into university physics</li> <li>collaborative learning/peer instruction</li> <li>keeping core learning alive in students minds / spaced repetition /</li> <li>effective revision strategies</li> <li>assessment for&nbsp;different learning outcomes</li> <li>outreach / &#39;real world&#39; physics / employability</li> </ul> <p>We welcome enquiries from interested candidates and can accommodate full-time or part-time study, based in Leeds, or at a distance with regular visits to Leeds.</p> <h5>Why do your PhD at Leeds?&nbsp;</h5> <p><strong>96% of our research is world-leading (REF 2021)&nbsp;</strong><br /> At Leeds, our research addresses the most prevalent real-world challenges &ndash; providing solutions that have had both a national and global impact.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Study in an active research environment&nbsp;</strong><br /> Studying your PhD with us means you&rsquo;ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life &ndash; alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>A strong network of support &nbsp;</strong><br /> The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you&rsquo;ll need to get the most out of your PhD.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Close industry links&nbsp;</strong><br /> Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that&#39;ll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Professional skills development &nbsp;</strong><br /> We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That&rsquo;s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that&#39;ll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Personal and wellbeing services&nbsp;</strong><br /> Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you&rsquo;ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you&rsquo;re feeling your best &ndash; and reaching your potential in your studies.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Join our global community&nbsp;</strong><br /> We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we&rsquo;re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research &ndash; and societal impact.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics-research-degrees">Research degrees in the School of Physics and Astronomy</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics-research-groups/doc/physics-education">Physics Education</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics-research-innovation">School of Physics and Astronomy, Research&nbsp;and Innovation</a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, your development, and your overall experience.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: 44 (0)113 343 5057.</p>