School of Physics & Astronomy
Welcome to the School of Physics and Astronomy
We are a highly prestigious Physics department with 135 year history of nationally and internationally leading research and teaching. Over 60 academic and academic related staff, 25 support and technical staff and 70 research students, combine with 500 undergraduates to form a lively community, part of an established research-focused university.
Big molecule, small cell
If you have ever wondered how a big molecule such as DNA - with a twisted ladder structure made of thousands of atoms – fits inside a tiny cell nucleus, then look no further. If you have a supercomputer handy, you can work out how the forces between the atoms and groups along the DNA combine to determine its shape. You find that it twists and coils like an unruly hosepipe, curling up to fit into cells.
Latest News
Paid Research Placements for our Undergraduates
The School of Physics & Astronomy sponsors its talented, enthusiastic students, to spend the summer working in research groups within the School. Applications for 2012 have now closed.
Postgraduate Research Open Evening – 7th December 2011
Interested in finding out more about studying for a PhD in the School of Physics and Astronomy? Well, come along to our Open Evening to hear about our ground-breaking research and priority projects, about scholarships and studying at postgraduate level, and about how to apply. Refreshments will be available.
New date set: Stoner Colloquium on The Genuis of Michael Faraday
A new date has now been set for the Stoner Colloquium with Sir John Meurig Thomas which was postponed in November 2011. The talk on "The Genius of Michael Faraday" will take place on Thursday 23rd February 2012 at 6.15pm. All Stoner Colloquia are open to the public.
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I chose Theoretical Physics at Leeds because it offered my course in the way that I wanted to study.
Katherine Howarth - MPhys Theoretical Physics