Local school pupils experience real-world Physics research

Nine year 12 pupils from local schools completed a weeklong Physics work experience placement at the University back in February 2024. Hosted by Dr Theodoros Papadopoulos in collaboration with the University’s Outreach team, pupils investigated "Electronic structure modelling with applications to optoelectronic devices such as solar cells and LEDs”. They became familiar with computational physics tools, such as QuantumATK and looked at the basics of quantum mechanics and solid state physics as implemented in semiconductors and metals in their bulk state. Electronic structure properties were calculated relevant to devices such as solar cells and light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Towards the end of their work experience, students are tasked with composing a detailed scientific report to present their findings via scientific writing and to improve their critical thinking and data interpretation. This immersive experience aims to spark an interest in physics and computational research, offering a glimpse into potential career pathways in academia and industry for those intrigued by the power of computational science in solving complex real-world problems.

Pupils said “I have really enjoyed this placement, it was the perfect taste of the world of scientific research and university physics and I am pleased to say it has made me all the more eager! In addition, I found the topics we explored (computational physics, solid state physics, semiconductors and quantum physics) exceptionally interesting. This was my first exposure to some of these ideas. This work experience was an invaluable, memorable taste of the world of university Physics and beyond” and “This work placement has been an eye-opener to scientific research and quantum physics. Most of the topics were not touched on at school, and I honestly found them very interesting and so did everyone else. I enjoyed the process of writing a report and putting together all the findings.”

Neil Heritage, a Physics teacher from one of the pupil’s schools said:

"[Pupil] was delighted to have been selected. They came back to school really excited by the work they had done and are using it a basis to work on for their EPQ.”

Theo is hosting another 13, year 12/13 Physics work experience pupils in April, working on "Solar cell device physics modelling", and plans to continue to offer these valuable placements in future years.