Masterclasses
Masterclasses are full-day or half-day events devoted to a particular branch of physics or astronomy. They typically consist of one or two half day talks by members of staff plus demonstrations and/or hands-on activities for the students
In some cases, especially those involving practical work, numbers are limited to 20-30 students.
Particle Physics Masterclass
Full-day (10:30 to 15:30) masterclass organised in association with STFC and the High Energy Particle Physics Group of the Institute of Physics.
Typical programme:
- Talk on the ideas of particle physics
- Web-based activities including identification of particles in detectors, interpretation of bubble chamber pictures etc.
- Talk on one of the research activities of the Sheffield Particle Physics and Particle Astrophysics Group.
For more information contact: Dr Susan Cartwright
Dark Matter and Cosmology Masterclass
Half-day (2 hour) masterclass on dark matter: the observational evidence for its existence, its role in cosmology, what it could be, and how we could detect it.
Typical programme:
- Talk on dark matter.
- Activities including the analysis of galaxy rotation curves (web-based), the identification of candidate events from gravitational lensing (hands-on) and the analysis of cosmological data.
For more information contact: Dr Susan Cartwright
Astronomy Masterclass
Under development. Possible activities include a visit to the department's 16-inch reflecting telescope, study of diffraction and interference, investigation of telescope resolving power.
For more information contact: Professor Vik Dhillon
Laser Masterclass
Half-day (2-hour) masterclass involving lecture and demonstrations.
For more information contact: Professor David Mowbray

Research Excellence Framework 2021
We have been rated 1st in the UK in terms of the quality of our research. In the latest REF, 100 per cent of research and impact from our department has been classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.