Module Information

Module Identifier
PH05720
Module Title
Introduction to Laboratory Physics
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Dr Rachel Cross
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Mutually Exclusive
FG05720 , Not available to students on 3 year BSc (Hons) or 4 year MPhys schemes.
Pre-Requisite
GCSE Mathematics and Science or equivalent
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Practical 11 x 3 Hour Practicals
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Laboratory Diary   60%
Semester Assessment Written Formal Report  20%
Semester Assessment Oral Presentation  20%
Supplementary Assessment As determined by the departmental examination board  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Perform simple experiments in basic physics
2. Perform basic error analysis to measurements
3. Draw appropriate conclusions from results
4. Present and analyse work in a laboratory diary
5. Describe work in a formal report
6. Discuss work in an oral presentation

Brief description

This module on Laboratory Physics is an introduction to experimental physics. Emphasis is placed on the training of students to use basic instruments, perform simple error calculations and critically assess results in order to draw reliable conclusions. Experiments are designed to reflect theoretical topics covered in other modules - hence experiments cover properties of matter, forces and mechanics as well as other realms of basic physics. Presentational skills are developed in the context of experiments.

Content

The module comprises a set of experiments from different areas of Physics including: Oscillations and Waves, Thermal Physics, and Electricity and Magnetism, which students carry out in rotation during the course of the semester.
For presentation of the work each student is expected to keep a Laboratory Diary noting the detailed progress of each experiment, prepare a formal report on a specified experiment and deliver an oral presentation.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Mathematical skills are central to the understanding and application of physics. Recording of data whilst performing basic physics experiments. Application of basic error analysis to measurements. Assessed via laboratory diaries and formal report.
Communication Recording of experiments using a laboratory diary. Working together in small groups to perform experiments. Communicating results through formal report and oral presentation.
Improving own Learning and Performance Critical thinking and reflection of how well an experiment was performed and how it could be improved.
Information Technology Delivery of a formal report using word processing software. Delivery of oral presentation using PowerPoint or equivalent. Use of basic experimental equipment.
Problem solving Students are encouraged to work through experiments and propose methods and solutions.
Research skills Formal report requires background research and rudimentary referencing skills.
Subject Specific Skills Application of basic fundamental physics to experimental methods.
Team work Students are required to work in small groups for each practical experiment.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3