PhD Student Access to Metrology e-learning with NPL
The Royce Training Team is providing free access to two NPL e-learning modules for first-year Materials PhD Researchers. Access to the courses will help to increase your knowledge of metrology and measurement science relevant to materials.
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About the Scheme
The Henry Royce Institute, along with one of its key partners, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) recognise the need for researchers to increase their knowledge of metrology and measurement science relevant to materials. This includes the collaboration as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Developing National Capacity for Materials 4.0.
For students at the start of their PhD, developing a strong understanding of measurement and metrology early on can provide a valuable foundation for the research ahead. Building these skills from the outset can help students plan robust experiments, interpret data with greater confidence, and establish good measurement practice that will support them throughout their doctoral research.
To help materials PhD students learn more about the importance of accurate measurements and characterisation, Royce is supporting access to two NPL e-learning modules. First-year PhD students can apply to access the following courses:
Delivered through NPL’s online training platform, these modules will provide a foundational knowledge and practical skills to enhance the precision and impact of research. Selected students will be able to access these fundamental courses free of charge.
BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
Accurate measurement is essential for groundbreaking research in materials science, underpinning reproducibility, theoretical validation, and innovation. An understanding of metrology helps researchers compare data reliably, assess uncertainty, validate findings, and support the discovery and optimisation of new materials. These capabilities are valuable not only throughout a PhD, but also for future careers in materials science and innovation.
Metrology plays a crucial role across diverse fields, such as additive manufacturing, battery development, nanotechnology, and biomaterials.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
To apply for Royce-funded access to NPL’s e-Learning courses, applicants must:
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Be based at a UK institution
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Be studying towards a PhD in materials science or a closely related field
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Preferably be in the first year of their PhD
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Places are limited and will be awarded to students who clearly demonstrate the relevance of metrology to their research. We strongly encourage early registration through the form provided below. Registration opens periodically for each intake; please refer to the application form for the current registration period and deadline.
Introduction to Measurement and Metrology
ABOUT THE COURSE
We are surrounded by measurement every day, but many of us take it for granted or do not appreciate the mechanisms that oversee measurement in industry and society. This e-learning course explores the concept of measurement and the scientific field dedicated to its application – metrology!
It provides practical workplace guidance and exposes learners to the processes required to conduct high-quality everyday measurements in science and industry.
This course consists of four modules:
Module 1: Measurement and metrology
Module 2: Measurement uncertainty
Module 3: The SI units
Module 4: Calibration and traceability
Learners who successfully complete the course and assessment will receive an NPL Certificate of Completion.
Introduction to Measurement Uncertainty
ABOUT THE COURSE
You might think that well-made measuring instruments should give you the right answers, but the ‘true value’ of a measurement is something you cannot obtain.
So for every measurement — however good — there is always some doubt about the measured value. The technical term for the size of this margin of doubt is ‘measurement uncertainty’.
This course has been designed to give you an understanding of measurement uncertainty in a visual way without any equations. We will discuss sources of uncertainty, standard deviation, standard uncertainty, expanded uncertainty and more. This course consists of three modules:
- Module 1: Defining measurement uncertainty
- Module 2: Concepts behind uncertainty calculations
- Module 3: Making decisions based on measurement
Learners who successfully complete the course and assessment will receive an NPL Certificate of Completion.
APPLY FOR SUPPORT
Places are limited and will be awarded to students who clearly demonstrate the relevance of metrology to their research. To apply, please complete the form in the link below.
